Buyer

KELTEC; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

KELTEC seeks a Buyer Planner to manage material planning for production schedules and customer delivery dates. You will handle raw material purchases, supplier relationships, and ERP-based purchasing activities to ensure timely, cost-effective supply chain operations.

The role requires an Associate's degree and 1+ year in purchasing/materials, with strong analytical and communication skills. Expect collaboration with engineering and production teams and focus on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent in supply chain, business, operations.
• 1+ year of purchasing/materials experience.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, Sage ERP is a plus.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks independently under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and follow-up.
• Detail-oriented and proactive in problem solving.
• Experience supporting cost-saving procurement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and supplies for manufacturing.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships for quality and on-time delivery.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers; monitor performance.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams on procurement.
• Analyze market trends and cost drivers to inform purchasing decisions.
• Maintain purchase orders, supplier records, and ERP data accurately.
• Monitor inventory levels to support production and minimize obsolescence.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to expand sourcing options.
• Resolve supplier quality, delivery, or invoicing issues promptly.
• Support continuous improvement and cost-saving projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Planning & organization

Communication

Multitasking

Independent under pressure

Education

Associate's degree in supply chain, Business, Operations or equivalent

Tools

Sage ERP

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Buyer

125 Human Resources West Chicago, IL, US

Summary:

The Buyer Planner will be primarily responsible for managing the material planning processes required for ensuring inventory levels for meeting production schedules and customer delivery dates. Responsibilities include; planning and executing raw material purchases, ordering, expediting, monitoring and reporting inventory activity. The Buyer Planner must build supplier relationships; which include negotiation and identification of supplier ability/inability to meet materials requirements plans and adjusting accordingly. In addition, the Buyer Planner will collaborate with other departments to ensure that all material requirements are met for added or revised orders. Function as a key liaison between production and the supplier base.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and supplies required for the manufacturing of air and oil filters.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality, on-time delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers while monitoring performance to ensure compliance with agreements.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to align procurement with product and production requirements.
• Analyze market trends, material availability, and cost drivers to support strategic purchasing decisions.
• Maintain accurate purchase orders, supplier records, and data within the ERP system.
• Monitor inventory levels to support production schedules while minimizing excess stock and obsolescence.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to expand sourcing options and mitigate supply chain risk.
• Resolve issues related to supplier quality, delivery, or invoicing discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain and contribute to cost-saving projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in supply chain, Business, Operations or equivalent
• Minimum 1-year recent previous experience in a Purchasing/Materials role
• Experience working in ERP/MRP systems is essential with a specific focus on purchasing activities, knowledge of Sage ERP Software a plus
• Strong analytical, planning and organizational skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks/projects with a high degree of effectiveness with an ability to work independently under pressure and react quickly to changing prioritize
• Highly organized with excellent oral and written communication and follow-up skills
• Excellent organizational and analytical abilities with attention to detail.
• Ability to take a proactive approach to overcome challenges and achieve results
• Proven appreciation of customer service expectations and cost demands of business
• Sets priorities taking into account short and long-term needs of the business.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; Excel expertise strongly preferred.

Normal Working Hours and Conditions: Position will primarily be located in a controlled office environment with occasional requirements to conduct work in the warehouse or production areas. Other requirements including standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, fingering, grasping, use of personal computer and related office equipment, and a minimum 40 work hours per week. Minimal travel may be required