Buyer

Essentra; Erie (Erie County); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Full benefits package

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Essentra is seeking a Buyer at our Erie, PA location for a hybrid role that combines on-site collaboration with remote work flexibility. The Buyer will manage inbound inventory from external and inter-company sources, ensuring stock availability and contributing to a positive customer experience.

The role reports to the Supply Planning Manager and emphasizes purchasing excellence, cost management, and supplier performance across multiple SKUs.

Qualifications

• Experience in buying for manufacturing or distribution is required.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Generate Purchase Orders for goods and services from suppliers to consistently deliver against customer demand and inventory holding requirements.
• Ensure price and MOQ benefits are fully utilized with all vendors.
• Work in close collaboration with Demand Planning and the Pricing Analyst functions, ensuring stock is purchased at the most competitive price and any fluctuations are managed accordingly to prevent margin erosion.
• Hold suppliers accountable to their committed lead-times and delivery schedules. Identify poor performing suppliers and gather details on root causes when suppliers fail to meet them.
• Conduct regular daily outbound calls with vendors/suppliers.
• Proactively expedite orders with suppliers to maximize inbound service, minimize the value of customer past-due deliveries, and achieve excellent outbound customer OTIF.
• Actively challenge supply lead-times and minimum order quantities on bought to stock (BTS) and bought to order (BTO) items, to deliver benefits to the Company.
• Maintain accurate purchasing related data in the MRP system (e.g. Vendor details, lead times, MOQ's etc.) Ensure missing data and errors are promptly addressed.
• Take ownership with suppliers on problems that occur until the issue is fully resolved (invoice discrepancies, poor quality, lead time violations)
• Actively monitor and control inventory value and targets, whilst maintaining service levels to all customers.
• Perform related job duties as assigned and required.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

High pressure environment

Team coordination

Education

High School diploma or GED

College degree is a plus

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ERP system

Job description

Essentra is a global market leader in plastic injection molded, vinyl dip molded and metal components. We have a history of over 65 years, producing essential components across a huge range of industries and applications. Making it easier for our customers is our top priority. That's why we operate internationally in 29 countries across 4 continents. With every order, we offer a hassle-free experience through our 14 manufacturing facilities, 34 distribution centres and 40 sales and service locations. We have over 45,000 standard parts and one of the world's most extensive product offerings, all available for immediate dispatch and fast delivery. Our product range features caps and plugs, wire and cable management, flange protection, knobs, handles and grips, access hardware, PCB and electronics hardware. Our Vision is to be "The world's leading responsible hassle-free supplier of essential industrial components".

Summary:

Essentra is hiring a Buyer for our location in Erie, PA. This is a hybrid role that will work onsite 3 days per week after training is complete. Reporting to the Supply Planning Manager, the Buyer is responsible and accountable for maintaining the inbound supply of inventory on a range of SKU's from external and internal inter-company sources. Primary focus is on establishing high-level purchasing excellence, service and quality across all tasks performed. Ensure stock is available for customers and be a key contributor to a positive customer experience.

Typical Accountabilities:

• Generate Purchase Orders for goods and services from suppliers to consistently deliver against customer demand and inventory holding requirements.
• Ensure price and MOQ benefits are fully utilized with all vendors
• Work in close collaboration with Demand Planning and the Pricing Analyst functions, ensuring stock is purchased at the most competitive price and any fluctuations are managed accordingly to prevent margin erosion.
• Hold suppliers accountable to their committed lead-times and delivery schedules. Identify poor performing suppliers and gather details on root causes when suppliers fail to meet them.
• Conduct regular daily outbound calls with vendors/suppliers.
• Proactively expedite orders with suppliers to maximize inbound service, minimize the value of customer past-due deliveries, and achieve excellent outbound customer OTIF.
• Actively challenge supply lead-times and minimum order quantities on bought to stock (BTS) and bought to order (BTO) items, to deliver benefits to the Company.
• Maintain accurate purchasing related data in the MRP system (e.g. Vendor details, lead times, MOQ's etc.) Ensure missing data and errors are promptly addressed.
• Take ownership with suppliers on problems that occur until the issue is fully resolved (invoice discrepancies, poor quality, lead time violations)
• Actively monitor and control inventory value and targets, whilst maintaining service levels to all customers.
• Perform related job duties as assigned and required.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED is required. College degree is a plus.
• High level of ability using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• High level of ability using an ERP system
• Minimum 3 years of related purchasing experience, ideally in the manufacturing / distribution sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues effectively.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Adaptable to change.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Works well with other teams to ensure all parties are engaged and involved, ensuring successful completion of projects.
• Ability to produce work on time, accurately, and in full.
• Remains efficient and effective when working in a high-pressure environment.

What We Offer:

This position offers a competitive base salary, annual bonus incentive, full benefits package, and generous paid time off.