Buyer

MDS Staffing; Waconia (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MDS Staffing is seeking a Buyer in Minnesota to manage supplier relationships, obtain materials at the best overall cost, and support production schedules. The role uses ERP systems daily to track orders, review supplier performance, and negotiate terms to maintain quality and on‑time delivery.

Ideal candidates will have 2–4 years in sourcing or procurement, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and a strong work ethic.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent; 2–4 years sourcing or procurement experience preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Demonstrates strong work ethic, reliability and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Utilize ERP software daily to perform purchasing and procurement tasks.
• Evaluate current and prospective suppliers for capacity, quality, cost, and on‑time delivery.
• Research and obtain terms for purchase agreements and contracts to minimize total cost.
• Plan and execute orders based on planning reports and purchase requests.
• Communicate with suppliers and internal departments to ensure accurate purchasing documentation.

Skills

ERP systems experience

Vendor management

Procurement experience

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title:Buyer

DEFINITION:

Buyer will work with assigned vendors and suppliers to obtain needed materials, purchased parts, and supplies according to established policies and procedures. The buyer will obtain these items at lowest cost consistent with required quality, quantity and availability utilizing the highest standard of integrity and ethical business practices.

Works under the general supervision of Purchasing Agent(s).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Utilize ERP software on a daily basis to perform primary responsibilities.
• Evaluate current suppliers and prospective suppliers for capacity, capabilities, and abilities to provide quality, cost effective, on-time delivery of purchased products.
• Research and obtain terms for purchase agreements, contracts, and capital orders for the intended purposes of negotiating minimal total cost and timely implementation.
• Review, plan and execute orders based on Material Requirement Planning reports, Min/Max reports and Request for Purchase reports.
• Conduct necessary and timely correspondences with suppliers and internal departments to assure all purchasing documentation and information is current and correct for proper flow of production.
• Monitor and perform follow-ups on open and unacknowledged purchase orders to ensure delivery will be completed within scheduled job and production requirement dates.
• Initiate and coordinate emergency actions by suppliers and all other parties to prevent and/or mitigate impacts to production schedule by delayed shipments, quality issues or supply chain interruptions.
• Negotiate settlements for return and/or replacement of defective, damaged, or poorly packaged materials, products or services.
• Initiate and coordinate return process for RMA items with vendors.
• Perform on-going analysis of purchasing procedures and present methods to simplify operations of purchasing and suppliers.
• Assist in creation and maintenance of performance metrics for vendors and the department.
• Work on special projects or additional duties as assigned by management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree or equivalent of 2 to 4 years relevant sourcing or procurement experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Office – i.e.: Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Practices a strong work ethic.
• Possesses qualities such as productivity, dependability, resourcefulness, efficiency, and professionalism

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have 5-10 years of experience working in an ERP system.
• 5-10 years of experience in inventory management and purchasing
• Previous work experience in a metal fabrication, machine shop or job shop environment.
• 5-10 year of experience with contract review and corrective action processes.