Buyer

NRP Jones; La Porte (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

NRP Jones in Indiana is seeking a Purchasing professional to source materials, negotiate with suppliers, and manage end-to-end procurement for rubber compounds, materials, and equipment.

You will collaborate with production, quality, and finance to ensure on-time delivery, cost control, and supplier performance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of purchasing/procurement experience in manufacturing.
• Experience in rubber or similar industries is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools (Excel/Word/PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of inventory management and cost-reduction strategies.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate suppliers for raw materials and equipment.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery terms to save costs.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders and manage budgets.
• Track orders, timelines, and inventory to prevent disruptions.
• Collaborate with QC to ensure material specifications and quality.
• Maintain vendor relationships and conduct performance reviews.
• Produce reports on purchasing activities, costs, and variances.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Inventory management

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing raw materials, supplies, and equipment essential to our production processes. This role requires close coordination with suppliers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure cost-effective purchasing and timely delivery of quality materials. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, results-driven individual with strong communication skills.

Essential Job Functions

Sourcing and Procurement

• Identify and evaluate suppliers, vendors, and service providers for raw materials, such as rubber compounds, synthetic materials, and production machinery.
• Develop and maintain relationships with reliable suppliers to ensure consistent quality and availability of materials.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery terms to achieve cost savings and quality standards.

Order Management

• Prepare and issue purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and adherence to budget requirements.
• Track and manage order status, delivery timelines, and inventory levels to prevent production disruptions.
• Resolve order discrepancies or issues with suppliers and adjust orders as necessary.

Inventory Control

• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with production teams to forecast material needs.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels to avoid excess inventory and minimize waste.
• Assist in implementing inventory control systems to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Quality Assurance

• Collaborate with the Quality Control Department to ensure materials meet specifications and quality standards.
• Work with suppliers to resolve quality issues or discrepancies, implementing corrective actions when necessary.

Vendor Relations

• Maintain open communication with vendors and establish long-term partnerships.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews to ensure alignment with company goals.
• Research and evaluate new vendors to diversify supply sources and reduce risk.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare regular reports on purchasing activities, costs, and budget variances.
• Analyze market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain challenges to provide recommendations to the management team.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management; experience in manufacturing, especially rubber or similar industries, is highly desirable.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with a solid understanding of purchasing best practices.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of inventory management principles and cost reduction strategies.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, preferred.

Company Requirements

• Completion of company indoctrination.
• Successful completion of safety training programs.
• Understanding of the company’s Quality System and processes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with regular time in the plant, warehouse, and shipping/receiving areas.
• Regularly required to sit, use a computer, and communicate by phone and email for extended periods.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk the production floor, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Approved safety glasses must be worn in factory areas, and steel-toed shoes are required in the plant, machine shop, crimping, and shipping/receiving areas.