Buyer

Lufkin Industries; Missouri City (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LUFKIN US Acquisitions Company LLC is seeking a Buyer II to support production material procurement, optimize lead times, and develop stocking strategies to sustain manufacturing efficiency.

You will evaluate vendor quotations, prepare RFIs/RFPs, analyze proposals, monitor price variance, and work with cross‑functional teams to mitigate risk and drive cost reductions.

A bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years in purchasing are required; APICS/ISM certifications and Lean/Six Sigma are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or Supply Chain.
• At least 3 years of purchasing/procurement experience.
• Experience in metals, machining, MRO, indirect services desirable.

Responsibilities

• Procure materials and services to support production requirements and stocking strategies.
• Execute MRP exception messages (cancel, defer, place orders).
• Develop RFIs, RFQs and RFPs for materials and/or services.

Skills

Vendor relations

Communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Tableau

ERP/MRP

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Advanced Excel

JDE ERP

Job description

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for the procurement of a variety of materials and services to effectively support Lufkin’s production requirements and support the development of appropriate stocking strategies.
• Timely and properly execute the MRP exception messages (cancel, defer, place new orders, etc ...)
• Develop RFI, RFQ and RFP packages for the purchase of materials and or services.
• Evaluate vendor quotations and proposals to ensure Lufkin achieves optimal quality, lead time, delivery, and cost.
• Monitor purchase price variance proactively, taking steps to mitigate any product inflation.
• Ability to evaluate purchase lot sizing to optimize inventory levels while minimizing stock outs and excess inventory.
• Work within cross functional teams to identify critical materials and/or services, developing, implementing, and driving sustainable risk mitigation strategies.
• Support category strategy execution by identifying opportunities for alternative sources, cost reduction initiatives and risk mitigation efforts.
• Support new product development initiatives.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of commodities being purchased.
• Display thorough knowledge of MRP planning and inventory management principles.
• Apply standard processes while meeting business requirements in accordance with the Procurement policies and procedures with minimal supervision.
• Regardless of other duties, the Buyer II has a responsibility to follow LUFKIN production, safety, and quality procedures.

Required Education & Preferred Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or Supply Chain
• At least 3 years of experience in purchasing /procurement is required
• Experience in one or more of the following categories desirable – Metals, Machining, MRO, Indirect Services

Certificates & Licenses

• APICS or ISM certifications highly desirable
• Lean/Six Sigma - Preferred

Required Knowledge / Skills

• Familiar with industry related commodities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal customers across all levels of the organization, as well as vendors.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and time management skills.
• Able to work in a team and take direction from management or senior level peers.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Experience with data analytical tools like Power BI, Tableau, Advanced Excel
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (JDE Preferred)

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

LUFKIN US Acquisitions Company LLC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere for all employees.

Education

Bachelors or better.

Required

3 years: Purchasing/Procurement

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.