Buyer

Industrial Electric Manufacturing; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

IEM is seeking a Buyer for our San Antonio, TX location, reporting to the Purchasing Supervisor. This role sources, negotiates, and purchases materials and services to meet operational needs, supporting cost‑effective purchasing and reliable material availability while partnering with Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and Program Management.

The position is based 100% in‑office in San Antonio, with a temporary site in NE San Antonio and permanent location near Brooks.

Qualifications

• Experience sourcing, negotiating and purchasing materials for manufacturing.
• Strong ability to drive cost‑effective purchasing and ensure material availability.
• Proven collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Customer Service and Program Management.
• Understanding of Lean principles and continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Understand and interpret demand requirements to make strategic procurement decisions.
• Analyze supply chain risks and develop mitigation plans with Purchasing Manager.
• Issue purchase orders, expedite orders and resolve discrepancies.
• Lead projects with internal and external stakeholders to improve procurement processes.
• Collaborate with internal departments to meet purchasing needs and improve availability.
• Evaluate vendor performance on quality, delivery, price, and data-driven metrics.
• Coordinate nonconformances with internal teams and suppliers promptly.
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors to ensure support throughout procurement.

Skills

Sourcing & Purchasing

Negotiation

Vendor relations

Lean principles

Stakeholder 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.

The 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 escape 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

• 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.

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

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

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