Buyer

JRAutomation; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits from day one

1-of-1 automation projects

Engineering-driven environment

Career growth

Craftsmanship and quality

Cutting edge technologies

Job summary

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is seeking a Buyer in Holland, MI to manage end-to-end procurement for complex automation projects. You will source materials and engineered components, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure timely delivery to support project milestones.

You will partner with Engineering, Project Management, and suppliers to handle RFQs/RFPs, control costs, and mitigate supply risks. Ideal candidates have experience in manufacturing or engineered-to-order environments and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Procurement or sourcing experience in manufacturing, automation, mechatronics, robotics, or engineered-to-order environments.
• Experience managing project-based purchasing from kickoff through installation.
• Background purchasing low-volume, high-mix engineered components and custom assemblies.
• ERP/MRP systems proficiency for PO management and demand planning.
• Ability to read mechanical and controls drawings, BOMs, and specifications.
• Understanding of industrial automation components (pneumatics, sensors, fasteners, drives, safety devices).
• Strong negotiation skills and RFQ/RFP experience.
• Intermediate Excel (pivot tables, vlookups).

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end project procurement from kickoff through FAT, shipment, and installation.
• Lead RFQs/RFPs for robotics, mechatronics, conveyors, packaging, and controls hardware.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms for low-volume, high-mix components.
• Read and interpret drawings, BOMs, and specifications to ensure compliant procurement.
• Monitor supplier lead times, capacity, and delivery performance, adjust schedules.
• Partner with Project Management to track budgets and forecast spend.
• Support Strategic Sourcing with supplier performance metrics.
• Drive cost-reduction through alternative sourcing and value engineering.
• Assist with inventory strategy for standard components.

Skills

Procurement experience

ERP/MRP proficiency

Read drawings

Negotiation

RFQ/RFP experience

Excel (Pivot)

Education

Bachelor's degree (supply chain)

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Location: Holland, Michigan, United States

Job ID: R0146670

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Company Name: J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Profession (Job Category): Customer Service & Contact Center Operations

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

Job Description

The Opportunity

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we're always looking to get stronger across North America, Europe, and Asia. Join us as a Buyer in Holland, MI as we work together to bring innovative automation solutions to life.

Location Type: This position is onsite in Holland, MI.

What We Offer

• Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave
• Opportunity to work on customized, 1-of-1 automation projects
• A collaborative, engineering-driven environment
• Career growth and skill development opportunities
• A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter
• Work with cutting edge and innovative technologies

Role Overview

The Buyer role is responsible for managing end-to-end procurement activities for complex automation projects, ensuring materials and engineered components are sourced, negotiated, and delivered on time to support project schedules from kickoff through installation. The position partners closely with Engineering, Project Management, and suppliers to manage RFQs/RFPs, control costs, mitigate supply chain risks, and support successful project execution. Ideal candidates will have experience in manufacturing, automation, or engineered-to-order environments, strong technical aptitude, supplier negotiation skills, and the ability to interpret drawings, BOMs, and engineering specifications.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Manage end-to-end project procurement from kickoff through FAT, shipment, and installation, ensuring alignment with project schedules and customer requirements.
• Lead RFQs/RFPs for complex automation components including robotics, mechatronics assemblies, conveyors, packaging systems, and controls hardware.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms for low-volume, high-mix engineered components and custom assemblies.
• Read and interpret mechanical and controls drawings, BOMs, customer specifications, and revision updates to ensure accurate and compliant procurement.
• Monitor suppliers lead times, capacity, and delivery performance, proactively adjusting schedules to meet project milestones and mitigate risk.
• Partner with Project Management to track budgets, forecast procurement spend, and manage cost or schedule impacts.
• Support Strategic Sourcing in evaluating supplier performance across quality, delivery, responsiveness, and capability metrics.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives through alternative sourcing, material substitutions, commercial negotiations, and value-engineering efforts.
• Support inventory strategy and material availability for standard components such as pneumatics, fasteners, sensors, drives, and safety hardware.

Note: This list of responsibilities is inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• Procurement or sourcing experience in a manufacturing, automation, mechatronics, robotics, or engineeredtoorder environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing projectbased purchasing from kickoff through installation or commissioning.
• Background purchasing lowvolume, highmix engineered components and custom assemblies is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems for purchase order management, lead time updates, supplier acknowledgments, and demand planning.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and controls drawings, BOMs, engineering specifications, and revision documentation.
• Understanding of industrial and automation components such as pneumatics, sensors, fasteners, electrical hardware, drives, and safety devices.
• Strong negotiation skills, including price, delivery terms, and commercial conditions.
• Experience conducting RFQs/RFPs and evaluating supplier proposals for technical and commercial fit.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, vlookups, data analysis).

Disclaimer

JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what's possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to [e-mail]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.