Buyer I

Skyline Exhibits; Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading exhibits design company located in Eagan, Minnesota is seeking a Buyer responsible for managing incoming materials and ensuring timely delivery for manufacturing operations. This role involves negotiating contracts, leading cost reduction initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree, extensive purchasing experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems. The position allows for professional growth within a culture that values teamwork and integrity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of related purchasing experience.
• Prior experience negotiating contracts for various commodities.
• Experience with international sourcing and importing.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute procurement of materials and supplies.
• Lead cost reduction projects and negotiate supplier contracts.
• Collaborate closely with engineering on commercialization projects.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Effective contract negotiation

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organization and time management

Technical aptitude

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred)

Job description

Summary

At Skyline Displays, our mission —inspiring people to create impactful experiences — guides every decision we make, from how we serve our clients to how we collaborate as a team. We believe that success is built on trust, and we foster that trust by leading with integrity, communicating transparently, and following through on our commitments. We embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation, and we celebrate our shared achievements along the way.

Our culture is grounded in care—for our clients, our colleagues, and the world around us. We work as one winning team, aligned by a shared vision and a deep respect for each other’s contributions. Above all, we place strong value on our client relationships, striving to exceed expectations and deliver solutions that make a lasting impact.

The Buyer is primarily responsible for ordering and managing incoming materials to ensure competitive total cost, reliable supply, and timely delivery in support of Skyline’s manufacturing operations. This role leads cost reduction initiatives, supplier improvement projects, and sourcing decisions while developing and maintaining strong relationships with strategic suppliers. The Buyer works cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and other internal teams to support new product commercialization and continuous improvement efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Enter, release, and manage purchase orders with suppliers.
• Manage delivery of products and services, including expediting as required.
• Execute procurement of materials, services, and production supplies with accountability for price, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Initiate and lead cost reduction projects and make/buy analysis.
• Negotiate supplier contracts and conduct supplier reviews.
• Create, implement, and drive supplier improvement plans.
• Collaborate closely with engineering on new product commercialization projects.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within purchasing and supply chain activities.
• Research new and alternative sources of supply and provide recommendations to engineering and marketing.
• Maintain ongoing knowledge of new products, services, and sourcing methods.
• Support additional duties and cross-functional needs as required by the business.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Negotiation: Effective contract negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze costs, sourcing strategies, and supply risks.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrates sound judgment in troubleshooting supply and delivery issues.
• Organization & Time Management: Manages multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Technical & Mechanical Aptitude: Functional understanding of materials, commodities, and manufacturing requirements.
• Teamwork: Works effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of related purchasing experience or equivalent.
• Prior experience negotiating contracts for various commodities.
• Experience with international sourcing and importing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred).
• CPM or CPIM certification preferred.

Equipment and Tools Used

• Personal computer and Microsoft Office applications
• ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred)
• Standard office equipment and purchasing systems

Physical Requirements

• Position is primarily sedentary in nature.
• Occasional standing, walking, and bending throughout the day.