Buyer

Flow-Control-Group; Saint Louis Park (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Flow-Control-Group, a provider in the industrial PVF sector, seeks an early-career Buyer to support procurement across multiple distribution sites. You will independently purchase assigned categories, manage supplier relationships, analyze inventory, and ensure compliance with purchasing procedures.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s in a related field and 2–4 years of experience, with proficiency in ERP/MRP and Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• 2–4 years purchasing or supply chain experience in industrial plastics.
• Exposure to multi-site purchasing or distribution environments.
• Experience using ERP/MRP in manufacturing or distribution.

Responsibilities

• Execute purchasing for direct and indirect materials across multiple sites.
• Create, release, and manage purchase orders in the ERP system.
• Coordinate with suppliers to confirm orders and resolve discrepancies.
• Support material requirements by monitoring demand signals and inventory.
• Maintain ERP item master data including lead times and pricing.
• Collaborate with planning, operations, and logistics to align with production.
• Assist in supplier performance tracking and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Ensure procurement transactions comply with company policies.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication

Multi-tasking

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Office applications

Job description

The Buyer is an early-career procurement professional who supports purchasing activities across multiple distribution sites in the industrial PVF (pipe, valves, and fittings) industry. Independently purchases assigned commodity/product categories; understands schedule, class, material, and connection requirements; manages suppliers; analyzes inventory; handles shortages; understands documentation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute purchasing activities for direct and indirect materials to support business operations across multiple sites.
• Create, release, and manage purchase orders in the ERP system, ensuring accuracy of pricing, quantities, and delivery dates.
• Coordinate with suppliers to confirm orders, track shipments, and resolve delivery, quality, or invoice discrepancies.
• Support multi-site material requirements by monitoring demand signals, inventory levels, and transfer needs.
• Maintain and update ERP item master data, including lead times, reorder points, reorder quantities, supplier assignments and product pricing.
• Collaborate with production planning, operations, and logistics teams to ensure material availability aligns with production schedules.
• Assist in supplier performance tracking, including on-time delivery and responsiveness metrics.
• Support sourcing and cost-reduction initiatives by gathering supplier data, quotes, and market information.
• Ensure procurement transactions comply with company policies and established purchasing procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts related to purchasing processes, data accuracy, and supplier communication.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of purchasing, materials, or supply chain experience within the industrial plastics industry.
• Exposure to multi-site purchasing or distribution environments required.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

Background, Skills, and Abilities

• Foundational understanding of Metallic industrial Piping, valves, and fittings, suppliers, and manufacturing processes with comprehension of grades, finishes, forms, and related processing services.
• Able to recognize standards/ specifications such as ASTM, ASME, ANSI, and sanitary/hygienic requirements applicable
• Up to date with the current industrial PVF market to negotiate for competitive pricing
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changing production needs.
• Effective communication skills for working with suppliers and internal teams.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify purchasing and inventory issues.
• Desire to grow into advanced sourcing, planning, and leadership roles within procurement.