Buyer

Socket.dev; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

IEM is seeking a seasoned Buyer to join our San Antonio, TX operations. The role focuses on sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials to meet production needs, while supporting cost-effective procurement and reliable material availability.

You’ll work with Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and Program Management in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The position is fully in-office, with the new plant coming online nearby; you’ll help build a resilient supply chain with a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or operations management from a four-year college or university.
• 3 to 5 years of purchasing or buying experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization, drive continuous improvement, and apply Lean principles.
• Demonstrated career ambition with a track record of growth and increasing responsibility; highly promotable with potential to take on broader leadership roles in a fast-paced, high-growth organization.

Responsibilities

• Understand and interpret demand requirements to make strategic and informed procurement decisions.
• Analyze and quantify supply chain risks, develop mitigation plans, and elicit risks or recommendations to the Purchasing Manager as appropriate.
• Manage procurement activities, including issuing purchase orders, expediting orders, and resolving discrepancies.
• Participate in and lead assigned projects with internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement of the procurement process.
• Collaborate with internal departments to understand their purchasing needs, resolve supply challenges, and improve material availability.
• Analyze vendor performance based on quality, delivery, price, and other data to maintain a strong and sustainable supply chain, and make data-informed recommendations to support supply chain decisions.
• Coordinate nonconformance issues with internal teams and suppliers in a timely manner.
• Interface with vendors and build relationships to maintain a high level of support throughout the procurement process.
• Flexible and adaptable team player who operates with agility and resourcefulness and thrives in an often-changing environment.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Lean principles

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or operations management

Job description

At IEM, we’re not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we’re shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world’s most dynamic markets.

Position Summary:

IEM is currently seeking a Buyer for our San Antonio, TX locations and will report into the Purchasing Supervisor. The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, goods, and services to meet the company's operational requirements. This mid-career role supports cost-effective purchasing, quality standards, and reliable material availability while partnering with suppliers and internal stakeholders, including Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and Program Management.

This position will be based temporarily in NE San Antonio while our new manufacturing plant is coming online. Our permanent location is approximately 25 minutes away at Brooks, 7515 Inner Circle Dr., San Antonio, 78235. The position is also 100% in-office and does not offer remote work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Understand and interpret demand requirements to make strategic and informed procurement decisions
• Analyze and quantify supply chain risks, develop mitigation plans, and elicit risks or recommendations to the Purchasing Manager as appropriate
• Manage procurement activities, including issuing purchase orders, expediting orders, and resolving discrepancies
• Participate in and lead assigned projects with internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement of the procurement process
• Collaborate with internal departments to understand their purchasing needs, resolve supply challenges, and improve material availability
• Analyze vendor performance based on quality, delivery, price, and other data to maintain a strong and sustainable supply chain, and make data-informed recommendations to support supply chain decisions
• Coordinate nonconformance issues with internal teams and suppliers in a timely manner
• Interface with vendors and build relationships to maintain a high level of support throughout the procurement process
• Flexible and adaptable team player who operates with agility and resourcefulness and thrives in an often-changing environment. You will be operating with a start-up mindset and must be willing to help wherever needed - "not my job" is an unacceptable response.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or operations management from a four-year college or university
• 3 to 5 years of purchasing or buying experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization, drive continuous improvement, and apply a fundamental understanding of Lean principles
• Demonstrated career ambition with a track record of growth and increasing responsibility; highly promotable with the potential to take on broader leadership roles within a fast-paced, high-growth organization

Workplace Conditions:

Physical Demands

• Activities: Sitting 70%, Walking/Standing 30%
• Lifting: Occasionally lift up to 10 lbs
• Vision: Long periods of close work

Mental Demands

Interpret, analyze, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously

Environment

Climate-controlled office space

Compensation actually offered for this role will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Why Join IEM

At IEM, you’ll join a team that powers some of the world’s most ambitious projects. We’re engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.

Learn more about IEM at https://www.iemfg.com

We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers

Non-Discrimination Statement

IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law.

Privacy

Information collected and processed as part of your IEM Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to IEM's Workforce Member Privacy Policy.

Use of AI

At IEM, we are committed to a fair and transparent hiring process. Use the link below to view how we use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in reviewing job applications and your rights as an applicant.

AI Use in IEM's Hiring Process