Buyer

MRL Equipment Company; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Mark Rite Lines Equipment Company, a unit of Federal Signal, is a global leader in pavement marking equipment. Billings, MT seeks a Buyer to secure materials, manage supplier relationships, and optimize purchasing to meet quality, cost, and delivery targets.

The role collaborates with Engineering, Production, Inventory Control, and Customer Service to ensure timely procurement and support production schedules.

Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred; relevant experience considered.
• 3+ years in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or buyer roles.

Responsibilities

• Procure materials, equipment, services to support manufacturing with quality, cost, and delivery in mind.
• Create and manage purchase orders, blanket agreements, and replenishment methods.
• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers for best value.
• Prepare RFQs and recommend sourcing decisions based on supplier capability.
• Monitor inventory levels and balance material availability with carrying costs.
• Manage supplier relationships and resolve performance issues.
• Coordinate with engineering, production, and suppliers to support schedules.
• Resolve PO discrepancies and potential shortages before impact.
• Source outside vendors for components and services as needed.
• Maintain purchasing records and ERP data with continuous improvement.
• Maintain a safe, organized work environment per 5S principles.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Inventory control

Pricing analysis

ERP/MRP

Excel

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

MRL - Mark Rite Lines Billings, MT 59101, USA

Description

Mark Rite Lines Equipment Company (MRL), headquartered in Billings, Montana, is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of paint marking and pavement maintenance equipment. With over four decades of industry expertise, MRL builds high-performance machinery used for traffic paint application, line removal, and surface preparation. Known for innovation, reliability, and customer-focused solutions, MRL delivers equipment “by stripers, for stripers”—helping professionals around the world achieve precision and productivity on every job.

The Buyer plays a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted manufacturing operations through strategic procurement, supplier management, and inventory planning. This position works closely with Engineering, Production, Inventory Control, Customer Service, and suppliers to secure materials that meet company quality, cost, and delivery expectations while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Procure materials, equipment, services, and supplies to support manufacturing operations while meeting quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Create and manage purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements, and other replenishment methods to maintain efficient material flow.
• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to obtain the best overall value through competitive pricing, quality, service, and delivery performance.
• Prepare and analyze Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and recommend sourcing decisions based on supplier capabilities and business needs.
• Monitor inventory levels and purchasing activities to balance material availability with inventory investment and carrying costs.
• Manage supplier relationships by monitoring quality, delivery, and service performance, resolving issues, and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Production, Inventory Control, Customer Service, and suppliers to ensure timely procurement and support production schedules.
• Resolve purchase order discrepancies, supplier delivery issues, pricing concerns, and potential material shortages before they impact operations.
• Source outside vendors and job shops for manufactured components, fabricated parts, and specialized services as needed.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and ERP system data while supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing process.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by following company safety policies and 5S principles.
• Perform other duties, assignments, and special projects as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong negotiation and vendor relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of purchasing principles, inventory control, and supply chain best practices.
• Ability to analyze pricing, supplier quotations, and procurement data.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to solve problems independently while exercising sound judgment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external suppliers.

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• APICS, CPSM, CPM, or other purchasing or supply chain certifications.
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, or metal fabrication environments.
• Experience with supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement principles.

Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Three (3) or more years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or buyer experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to occasionally walk through manufacturing and warehouse areas.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with suppliers, employees, and customers.

Benefits of Employment:

• bonus potential
• insurance (life, medical, dental, vision)
• paid holidays
• paid vacation
• employer-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with matching contributions

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits, including bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, employer-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA), and 401(k) with matching contributions. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.

About Mark Rite Lines Equipment Company, a subsidiary of Federal Signal:

Mark Rite Lines Equipment Company is a leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality pavement marking equipment, specializing in the production of road striping and maintenance machinery. We serve a wide array of clients, including government agencies, private contractors, and municipalities, providing innovative solutions that enhance roadway safety and operational efficiency. Our commitment to quality, safety, and service excellence has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) provides products and services to protect people and our planet. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources [e-mail]. All other applications must be submitted online.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.