Buyer I

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation; Chanute (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational assistance

ESOP ownership

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401k with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Climate-controlled environment

Job summary

Kustom Signals, Inc. is seeking a Buyer I to manage timely procurement of materials and supplies, coordinating with vendors, manufacturing, and engineering to meet production goals. The role emphasizes cost-saving initiatives and building durable supplier relationships.

Ideal candidates have 0–3 years in purchasing within manufacturing, with strong negotiation, MS Office proficiency, and solid communication. This is an office-based role with minimal travel and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 0 to 3 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with MRP systems and S&OP.
• Strong negotiation and cost analysis skills.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with supply-chain management principles.
• Ability to build effective vendor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate domestic suppliers for raw materials, equipment, and services
• Negotiate purchase agreements that align with quality, cost, and delivery goals
• Process purchase requisitions and prepare accurate, timely purchase orders
• Support vendor communication based on forecasts
• Coordinate with manufacturing, engineering, and service departments to optimize inventory levels
• Track supplier performance and pursue long-term partnerships and cost reductions
• Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to continuous improvement

Skills

Negotiation

Cost analysis

Vendor relations

Communication

Organization

MRP systems

Education

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Description

Join the Kustom Signals Team - Where Quality Matters

Buyer I | Kustom Signals, Inc.

Are you ready to build your career with a company that has been at the forefront of law enforcement technology for over 60 years? Kustom Signals is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Buyer I to join our Purchasing team. This is a great opportunity to be a part of a mission-driven company that takes pride in delivering reliable, high-quality technology to law enforcement agencies across the globe.

At Kustom Signals, we know that quality matters at every touchpoint-from our innovative products to our expert sales consultants and customer-first support team. As an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, we believe in sharing our success and offering real benefits that invest in your future. We offer competitive benefits including an educational assistance program, and we foster a collaborative and supportive workplace culture.

About the Role:

As a Buyer I, you'll play a key role in ensuring the timely procurement of materials and supplies to support our production and operational goals. You'll work closely with vendors, manufacturing teams, and Engineering to keep things running smoothly while contributing to cost-saving initiatives and building lasting supplier relationships.

This position is ideal for someone with early-career purchasing experience who is eager to grow and develop in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

What You'll Do:

• Identify and evaluate domestic suppliers for raw materials, equipment, and services
• Negotiate purchase agreements that align with quality, cost, and delivery goals
• Process purchase requisitions and prepare accurate, timely purchase orders
• Support vendor communication based on sales and operations planning forecasts
• Coordinate with manufacturing, engineering, and service departments to maintain optimal inventory levels
• Track supplier performance and identify opportunities for long-term partnerships and cost reductions
• Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to the department's continuous improvement efforts

Additional Details:

• Office-based role in a quiet, temperature-controlled environment
• Minimal travel required
• No supervisory responsibilities

Benefits:

• Benefits are available on the first day of employment.
• Company-sponsored life and short-term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account when paired with a high-deductible medical plan.
• 401k retirement savings plan with an employer match of up to 4%.
• 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after meeting eligibility requirements.
• Paid time off, including Vacation, Personal or Discretionary (Sick), and ten (10) paid company holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement for pre-approved courses.
• Climate-controlled work environment.
• Consistent weekday schedules provide an exceptional work-life balance.
• A people-first culture grounded in teamwork, accountability, and innovation

Let's make a lasting impact-together.

Qualifications

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• 0 to 3 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with MRP systems and sales/operations planning
• Strong negotiation and cost analysis skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently
• Familiarity with supply-chain management principles
• Ability to build effective vendor relationships