Buyer

Horizon Manufacturing Group, LLC; Lake Mills (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizon Manufacturing Group, LLC is seeking a detail-oriented Buyer to ensure timely, cost-effective procurement of raw materials and services for manufacturing operations in Lake Mills, IA. This role requires strong negotiation, cross-functional collaboration, and advanced Excel skills to reconcile data across non-integrated ERP systems.

You will oversee inventory, develop sourcing strategies, and work closely with production planning to align purchasing with demand while driving cost savings

Qualifications

• Advanced Excel for data analysis, reconciliation and reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems, especially across multiple non-integrated platforms.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities for purchasing decisions.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with department managers to align purchasing, warehouse and production.
• Maintain inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess costs.
• Identify and evaluate suppliers based on quality, cost and reliability.
• Develop sourcing strategies to optimize costs and continuity of supply.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts and terms to achieve cost savings.
• Monitor market conditions and supplier performance to anticipate risks.
• Collaborate with production planning to align purchasing with demand and inventory.

Skills

Excel mastery

ERP systems

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Tools

Non-integrated ERP data management

Job description

Position Summary
The Buyer plays a critical role in ensuring the timely, cost-effective procurement of raw materials, components, and services necessary to support manufacturing operations. This position requires a strategic and detail-oriented professional with strong negotiation skills, a solid understanding of supply chain and inventory management, and the ability to work effectively across departments. Due to the use of multiple ERP systems that do not integrate, advanced Excel skills are essential for data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate with department managers to ensure purchasing, warehouse, and production activities are aligned and operating efficiently.
• Oversee and maintain appropriate inventory levels to support production schedules while minimizing excess inventory and carrying costs.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, delivery performance, and overall strategic fit.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize costs and ensure continuity of supply for raw materials and components.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality and service expectations.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with wholesalers, vendors, and key suppliers.
• Monitor market conditions, commodity pricing, and supplier performance to anticipate risks and cost fluctuations.
• Assess financial and operational risks associated with purchasing decisions and supplier dependencies.
• Collaborate closely with production planning and operations teams to align purchasing with demand and inventory requirements.
• Utilize Excel extensively to analyze purchasing data, track inventory, reconcile data between ERP systems, and prepare reports.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to purchasing processes, inventory control, and supplier performance.
• Demonstrate leadership by fostering a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and reconciliation.
• Experience working with ERP systems; experience managing data across multiple, non-integrated systems preferred.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.

Other duties as assigned