Buyer

IPS Corporation; Hartsville (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IPS Corporation in Hartsville, TN is seeking a Buyer to ensure uninterrupted material flow to production by managing daily purchasing activities, supplier relationships, and ERP data accuracy.

You will monitor pricing, lead times, and open orders, maintain safety stock levels, and participate in supplier reviews while collaborating with Planning and Materials teams to prevent shortages and improve costs.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of purchasing or supply-chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (E1 preferred).
• Strong communication and vendor negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Procure daily materials to support uninterrupted production.
• Validate pricing, lead times and supplier setup before orders.
• Monitor open orders and confirm deliveries weekly.
• Maintain safety stock levels and supplier data.
• Develop relationships and monitor supplier performance.
• Escalate recurring supplier issues and implement corrective actions.
• Generate purchasing and inventory reports in E1 and Cognos.
• Attend daily meetings to align production priorities.
• Support cost reduction and process improvement initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Vendor negotiation

Prioritization

Tools

E1 ERP system

Job description

Job Title: Buyer
Location: Hartsville, TN

About the Company:

IPS Corporation is a global, market-leading provider of Water and Flow Management Solutions and Specialty Adhesives Solutions for applications where failure is not an option. Founded in 1954 in Los Angeles, CA, IPS began by producing clear cements for laminating acrylic sheet for aircraft canopies. We were first to produce reliable cement for use with PVC, CPVC, and ABS pipe and fittings, and first to introduce plastic recessed washing machine and ice maker outlet boxes. Since then, we have expanded our offering to more than 10,000+ products and solutions across multiple fast-growth industries such as residential and commercial construction, irrigation, pool & spa, marine or industrial manufacturing.
Today our industry leading products are proudly manufactured at facilities throughout the world and available through a nationwide network of customer-focused distributors. We offer premium brands, world-class customer service, seamless processes, and a global supply chain. IPS, through its three operating companies, operates 13 manufacturing plants in the US, Europe and China supporting sales to over 85 countries.
IPS Corporation is a portfolio company that is part of Centerbridge Partners. Centerbridge Partners, L.P. is a private investment management firm employing a flexible approach across investment disciplines — private equity, private credit and real estate — in an effort to develop the most attractive opportunities for its investors. The Firm was founded in 2005 and has approximately $36 billion in capital under management with offices in New York and London. Centerbridge is dedicated to partnering with world-class management teams across targeted industry sectors and geographies. For more information, please visit www.centerbridge.com.

About the Role:

The Buyer is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted material flow to production by executing daily purchasing activities, managing supplier relationships, and maintaining accuracy within the ERP system. This role focuses on proactive communication, cost control, and on-time delivery performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement Execution
  
  
  
  • Manage daily MRP signals to generate and process purchase orders in E1.
  
  
  • Validate pricing, lead times, and supplier setup prior to order release.
  
  
  • Monitor open order reports weekly and ensure timely confirmations and deliveries.
  
  
  • Follow up with suppliers to resolve delays, shortages, or quality issues.
  
  
  • Maintain accurate safety stock levels and supplier data.
  
  
  
  


• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers.


• Monitor supplier performance related to delivery, quality, and responsiveness.


• Escalate recurring supplier issues and recommend corrective actions.


• Participate in quarterly supplier reviews and cost‑saving discussions.


• System & Reporting
  
  
  
  • Ensure all SKU setup data in E1 is current and correct (buyer number, supplier, MOQ, safety stock).
  
  
  • Generate and review purchasing and inventory reports in E1 and Cognos.
  
  
  • Collaborate with Planning and Materials teams to prevent material shortages and excess inventory.
  
  
  
  


• Attend daily Tier 3 and Production meetings to align priorities.


• Support cost reduction and process improvement initiatives.


• Promote cross‑functional communication between Planning, Materials, and Production.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of purchasing or supply‑chain experience in a manufacturing environment.


• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (E1 preferred).


• Strong communication and vendor negotiation skills.


• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.


• Lean and 5S familiarity preferred.

Success Metrics

• 100% PO Acknowledgement Compliance


• Zero Production Downtime Due To Material Shortage


• Monthly Open Order Review Completion Rate = 100%

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Weld On is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law.