Buyer

Bluewater Hayes Inc.; Jackson (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bluewater Hayes Inc. is seeking a Buyer to join its Supply Chain team. This role will support purchasing, logistics, and material flow for manufacturing and installation projects.

You will manage procurement from supplier sourcing and PO management through receiving, while also coordinating freight and international shipping. A strong purchasing background and ERP experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing experience in supply chain, logistics, or related field.
• 3+ years in purchasing/procurement or supply chain within manufacturing/industrial environment.
• Experience with freight, international shipping, or export packaging preferred.
• Working knowledge of Incoterms.
• Experience with export documentation and customs/compliance processes preferred.
• Experience with an ERP system required.

Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate suppliers for materials, MRO, and outside services.
• Prepare and manage purchase orders within the ERP system.
• Track pricing, lead times, orders, and delivery schedules.
• Expedite past-due orders to prevent delays.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate shipments and freight, including international shipping.
• Support export packaging and Incoterms compliance.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Quality, Accounting, and Sales.
• Maintain vendor data and monitor inventory levels.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Inventory management

Excel

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field

Tools

ERP system

Job description

Our client, a growing industrial manufacturing company, is looking for a Buyer to join its Supply Chain team. This role will support purchasing, logistics, and material flow for manufacturing and installation projects.

The Buyer will manage the procurement process from supplier sourcing and purchase order management through material availability and receiving, while also supporting freight coordination and international shipping. This is a great opportunity for someone with a strong purchasing background who wants exposure to a broader range of supply chain responsibilities.

What You'll Do

Procurement & Supply Chain

• Source and evaluate suppliers for raw materials, components, MRO, and outside services.
• Prepare and manage purchase orders within the company's ERP system.
• Track pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery schedules.
• Expedite past-due orders to prevent production or project delays.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Maintain accurate vendor, costing, and lead-time information.
• Monitor inventory levels, reorder points, and material availability.
• Assist with supplier performance tracking related to quality, cost, and delivery.
• Identify alternate sources of supply to reduce risk and control costs.
• Help gather and compare freight quotes for inbound and outbound shipments.
• Assist with carrier and routing decisions based on cost, transit time, and service level.
• Coordinate shipment schedules with production, shipping/receiving, and customers.
• Build relationships with freight brokers, carriers, and logistics providers.
• Track shipments and communicate delays or issues to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Assist with freight spend analysis and identify opportunities to reduce transportation costs.

International Shipping

• Support export packaging requirements for domestic and international shipments.
• Assist with export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and shipping instructions.
• Learn and apply Incoterms such as EXW, FOB, DAP, and DDP.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international carriers.
• Support compliance with U.S. export regulations and international shipping requirements.
• Assist with resolving customs, documentation, and other international shipping issues.
• Maintain shipping and classification records as needed for compliance and audits.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, prints, and technical specifications.
• Work with Engineering to determine material, freight, and packaging costs for projects.
• Translate technical specifications into supplier RFQs and purchasing requirements.
• Identify potential sourcing or material concerns early in the process.
• Partner with Engineering and Sales on complex domestic and international quotes to ensure freight, duties, packaging, and lead times are accurately reflected.

Cross-Functional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Accounting, and Sales.
• Support reporting related to freight costs, vendor performance, and open orders.
• Maintain organized purchasing and shipping records.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing experience will be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain within a manufacturing, industrial, or equipment environment preferred.
• Experience with freight, international shipping, or export packaging strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of Incoterms required.
• Experience with export documentation and customs/compliance processes strongly preferred.
• Experience working with an ERP system required.
• Willingness to travel less than 10% for occasional supplier visits, customer sites, or industry events.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Understanding of inventory, lead-time, and supply chain fundamentals.
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple orders, shipments, and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with technical and non-technical teams.
• Self-motivated and willing to learn new systems, processes, and technical concepts.
• Ability to work independently and make sound purchasing decisions.
• Primarily an office-based role with occasional time on the manufacturing or warehouse floor.
• Occasional interaction with packaging, staged shipments, and receiving activities.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.
• Exposure to a manufacturing environment and moderate noise levels.