Buyer (Bilingual)

Irwin; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Irwin Seating Co. is seeking a Buyer to lead procurement activities through strategic sourcing, supplier development, and team leadership. This role requires strong supplier management, data integrity, and process improvement skills, with a focus on optimizing our China supply chain.

The candidate will manage MRP, create POs, monitor inventory, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet production goals while controlling costs. Some travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or a related supply chain role preferred.
• Bilingual required; English and Chinese.
• Familiarity with MRP and ERP software.

Responsibilities

• MRP Management: manage the MRP system to forecast material needs and align with production schedules.
• Purchase Order Management: create and issue POs, track delivery, and resolve discrepancies with finance.
• Inventory Optimization: monitor and optimize inventory levels, identify excesses, negotiate terms with suppliers.
• Proactive Communication and Collaboration: work with Production, Engineering, and Quality Assurance to address supply chain challenges.

Skills

Supplier management

Data analysis

MS Excel

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

MRP systems

ERP software

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a Buyer at Irwin, you will be responsible for managing and enhancing procurement activities through a combination of strategic sourcing, supplier development, and team leadership. A Buyer must possess advanced skills in supplier management, data integrity, problem-solving, and process improvement, while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational efficiency. This position will also be working on optimizing our China Supply Chain.

Responsibilities

MRP Management

• Manage the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system to ensure material requirements are accurately forecasted and aligned with production schedules.
• Regularly review MRP outputs to initiate and adjust purchase orders as necessary to meet production demands.

Purchase Order Management

• Create and issue purchase orders to suppliers, ensuring accurate pricing, terms, and delivery requirements.
• Track and monitor purchase orders to ensure timely delivery, addressing delays or discrepancies as they arise.
• Collaborate with the finance team to resolve invoicing or payment discrepancies related to purchase orders.

Inventory Optimization

• Monitor and optimize purchased inventory levels, balancing production needs with cost control measures.
• Conduct regular reviews of inventory to identify excess, shortages, or obsolete materials, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Evaluate supplier performance, addressing concerns, and negotiating terms to align with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings.

Proactive Communication and Collaboration

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Production, Engineering, and Quality Assurance, to address potential supply chain challenges.
• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders to resolve material-related issues and align procurement activities with organizational goals.
• Participate in team meetings to provide updates on material status, lead times, and supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or a related supply chain role preferred. Experience in a manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• Bilingual required; English and Chinese
• Familiarity with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving supply chain challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices and supply chain principles.
• Understanding of inventory management techniques and their impact on operational efficiency.
• Experience with Lean or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Comfortable with occasional domestic and international travel.

Why Irwin?

Founded in 1907, Irwin Seating is a fourth-generation, family-owned company with locations in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Altamont, Illinois. We bring people together to learn, create, and share meaningful experiences both within our teams and in the spaces we design. You’ll be part of a people-first team that believes in collaboration, growth, and doing the right thing. Here, you can build a career you love while growing alongside a company that feels like family.