Buyer I

Equiliem; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Equiliem is seeking a Buyer I in Wisconsin to handle tactical purchasing, issue purchase orders, and coordinate with suppliers to meet production needs. The role supports cost, quality, and on-time delivery goals in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate has 1–3 years of purchasing experience, familiarity with metal fabrication or machine parts, and proficiency in SAP or other MRP/ERP systems, plus strong negotiation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 1-3 years purchasing/procurement experience preferred.
• Experience with SAP or another MRP/ERP system preferred.
• Experience purchasing metal fabrication, machine parts, wire components or similar manufacturing materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Review purchase requisitions and determine appropriate purchasing methods.
• Identify qualified suppliers and request bids or quotations for required goods and services.
• Evaluate supplier proposals and negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery requirements.
• Create and issue accurate purchase orders in accordance with established procedures.
• Obtain and track supplier purchase order acknowledgments.
• Monitor order status and follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
• Expedite orders and communicate potential delivery issues to internal stakeholders.
• Resolve supplier issues involving pricing, quality, quantity, documentation, or delivery.
• Maintain productive relationships with suppliers and support supplier performance evaluations.
• Use procurement and ERP/MRP systems to maintain purchasing information and order status.
• Communicate with production and other internal teams regarding purchasing requirements and delivery timelines.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
• Support continuous improvement of purchasing processes and supplier performance.
• Enter the production floor as needed to support purchasing activities.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Follow-up

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

MRP/ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Buyer I

Location: Waukesha, WI

Schedule/Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM

Pay: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour 26-09800

Job Summary

The Buyer I is responsible for purchasing goods and services while supporting cost, quality, and on-time delivery objectives. This role focuses on tactical purchasing activities, including issuing purchase orders, communicating with suppliers, monitoring order status, and expediting deliveries to support production needs. The ideal candidate has experience purchasing metal fabrication, machine, wire, or similar manufacturing components and is comfortable working with suppliers and internal stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Review purchase requisitions and determine appropriate purchasing methods.
• Identify qualified suppliers and request bids or quotations for required goods and services.
• Evaluate supplier proposals and negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery requirements.
• Create and issue accurate purchase orders in accordance with established procedures.
• Obtain and track supplier purchase order acknowledgments.
• Monitor order status and proactively follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
• Expedite orders and communicate potential delivery issues to appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Resolve supplier issues involving pricing, quality, quantity, documentation, or delivery.
• Maintain productive relationships with suppliers and support supplier performance evaluations.
• Use procurement and ERP/MRP systems to maintain purchasing information and order status.
• Communicate with production and other internal teams regarding purchasing requirements and delivery timelines.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
• Support continuous improvement of purchasing processes and supplier performance.
• Enter the production floor as needed to support purchasing activities and understand material requirements.

Job Requirements

• 1-3 years of purchasing, procurement, buying, or related experience preferred.
• Experience purchasing manufacturing components such as metal fabrication, machine parts, wire parts, or similar materials preferred.
• Experience issuing purchase orders and following up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery.
• Knowledge of purchasing processes, supplier management, and procurement practices.
• Experience with MRP or ERP systems; SAP experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong negotiation, communication, follow-up, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in purchasing documentation.
• Ability to prioritize multiple orders and supplier requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers, production teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to occasionally enter a manufacturing/production environment and follow applicable safety requirements.
• Steel-toed shoes or approved protective toe caps may be required when entering production areas.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant purchasing or procurement experience may be considered in place of a bachelor's degree.

Work Experience

• 1-3 years of purchasing, procurement, or buying experience preferred.
• Manufacturing purchasing experience preferred, particularly with metal fabrication, machine parts, or wire components.
• Experience with SAP or another MRP/ERP system preferred.

About Equiliem

Equiliem believes in empowering success. It's our job to cultivate relationships that connect people and employers in a way that is inclusive, intelligent, and allows both to thrive.

Across the U.S., leading companies in healthcare, government, engineering, manufacturing, professional services, and energy rely on us for their workforce solutions. Our recruiting and HR services include contract and direct hire staffing, Payrolling/EOR, Independent Contractor Compliance, and Managed Services.

For almost 30 years, we've helped shape our industry. Today, we continue to research, ask questions, and continuously enhance the candidate journey and client experience.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees, which includes:

• Medical Insurance
• Vision & Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Matching 401(k)
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Discounts & Rewards
• Payroll Payment Options

EEO Employer

Equiliem is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Equiliem will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [e-mail] or [phone].