Buyer

Conner Industries, Inc.; Guthrie (KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

Retirement Plan (401(k))

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Job summary

Conner Industries, Inc. in Guthrie, KY is seeking a Buyer to join its procurement team. The position involves sourcing materials, negotiating contracts, and managing inventories. Ideal candidates will have 2 to 5 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's Degree.

The role offers a competitive salary between $80,000 and $95,000 based on experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health care and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• 2 to 5 years of purchasing experience with supplies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Source materials for existing and prospective accounts.
• Negotiate supply contracts with key vendors.
• Manage materials inventories in conjunction with plant operations.
• Conduct product research and source suppliers.
• Identify future cost impacts on margins.

Skills

Sourcing

Supplier management

Contract negotiations

Inventory planning

Cost reduction

Microsoft Excel

Analytical decision making

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent relevant experience

Job description

Position Overview

Conner Industries is seeking a Buyer to join our procurement team. The position is based at our Guthrie, Kentucky facility and is open to professionals experienced in sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiations, inventory planning, and cost reduction within a manufacturing environment.

Salary Range: $80,000 – $95,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Company

Conner Industries, Inc. is a leading provider of custom wood packaging and integrated packaging solutions. We serve a wide range of industrial markets and operate 18 manufacturing locations nationwide, supported by vertically integrated industrial lumber capabilities.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Work directly with sales, management, and plant operations to source materials for existing and prospective accounts, purchasing from approved vendors based on forecasts and demand.
• Negotiate supply contracts with key vendors.
• Manage materials inventories in conjunction with plant operations.
• Conduct product research, source suppliers and vendors, and qualify new suppliers through a rigorous process.
• Negotiate best and most cost‑effective pricing while maintaining required quality.
• Coordinate with plant management and sales team to purchase and maintain necessary inventory for customer product assembly.
• Sourcing lumber, third‑party components and analyzing make‑versus‑buy scenarios.
• Update and maintain records of all orders, provide payment approvals to accounting, and coordinate material planning with plant buyers and operations.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and participate in year‑end and periodic inventory counts.
• Model material cost increases and identify future cost impacts on margins.
• Coordinate with the sales team on material‑related price increases and communication to customers.
• Conduct market research to track emerging trends and business opportunities.

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• Two to five years of purchasing experience with supplies such as fasteners, corrugate, foam, and other indirect supplies.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Existing relationships with suppliers an asset.
• Ability to negotiate rates and delivery schedules that meet plant needs.
• Highly organized, multi‑tasking, and meticulous record‑keeping.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Analytical skills for rapid and accurate decision making.
• Travel expected up to 20%.
• Commitment to reliability and accountability.

Other Duties

This job description is not comprehensive; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily a sedentary office position, with occasional standing, walking, or work in confined or warehouse spaces.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, lift, and move weights up to 50 pounds.
• Finger dexterity for computer keyboard use.
• Use of hearing protection and other PPE in warehouse as required.

EEO Statement

Conner Industries provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics, and complies with applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. All terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training, are governed by this policy.

Conner Industries does not disqualify applicants testing positive for THC on the pre‑employment drug screen. For positions requiring drug and alcohol testing, a pass is required; refusal will result in disqualification.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401(k))
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off – accrued immediately, available at 30 days
• 8 Company‑Paid Holidays
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement Program – including trade schools
• Training & Development