Buyer II

Federal Signal Corporation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Signal Corporation in Houston is seeking an experienced Purchasing / Procurement professional to manage sourcing for raw materials, machined components, and tooling for manufacturing operations. You will analyze MRP reports and production schedules to determine purchasing requirements and issue purchase orders to maintain supply continuity.

The role requires 5–7 years of manufacturing procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and familiarity with ERP/MRP systems such as JD

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• 5-7 years purchasing or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with machining, fabrication, or industrial equipment manufacturing preferred.
• Experience purchasing steel, aluminum, castings, tooling, hydraulics, pumps, motors, bearings, or industrial equipment components is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Purchase raw materials, machined components, fabricated parts, tooling, MRO supplies, and subcontracted services for manufacturing operations.
• Analyze MRP reports and production schedules to determine purchasing requirements.
• Issue purchase orders and monitor supplier performance regarding quality, pricing, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and supply agreements to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with approved suppliers and identify alternative sources to mitigate supply chain risks.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Inventory teams to resolve shortages, quality issues, and supplier performance concerns.
• Review inventory levels and purchasing trends to ensure adequate material availability while minimizing excess inventory.
• Support new product introductions by sourcing materials and evaluating supplier capabilities.
• Track and expedite critical orders to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance regarding supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in supplier audits, evaluations, and performance reviews.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, vendor files, and system data within the ERP system.
• Monitor market conditions, material costs, and industry trends impacting procurement activities.
• Prepare reports and analyses regarding spending, supplier performance, and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Perform other duties, assignments and special projects as required.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Machining operations

Production planning

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation

Cost analysis

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

JD Edwards

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Purchase raw materials, machined components, fabricated parts, tooling, MRO supplies, and subcontracted services required for manufacturing operations.


• Analyze MRP (Material Requirements Planning) reports and production schedules to determine purchasing requirements.


• Issue purchase orders and monitor supplier performance regarding quality, pricing, delivery, and responsiveness.


• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and supply agreements to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies.


• Develop and maintain relationships with approved suppliers and identify alternative sources to mitigate supply chain risks.


• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Inventory teams to resolve shortages, quality issues, and supplier performance concerns.


• Review inventory levels and purchasing trends to ensure adequate material availability while minimizing excess inventory.


• Support new product introductions by sourcing materials and evaluating supplier capabilities.


• Track and expedite critical orders to ensure uninterrupted production.


• Collaborate with Quality Assurance regarding supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Participate in supplier audits, evaluations, and performance reviews.


• Maintain accurate purchasing records, vendor files, and system data within the ERP system.


• Monitor market conditions, material costs, and industry trends impacting procurement activities.


• Prepare reports and analyses regarding spending, supplier performance, and inventory management.


• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.


• Perform other duties, assignments and special projects as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field required. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Experience

• 5-7 minimum years of purchasing or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and ERP/MRP systems; experience with JD Edwards is highly desirable.


• Experience supporting machining, fabrication, assembly, or industrial equipment manufacturing preferred.


• Experience purchasing steel, aluminum, castings, machined components, tooling, hydraulics, pumps, motors, bearings, or industrial equipment components is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPIM, CPSM, or CSCP certification.


• Experience managing supplier scorecards and strategic sourcing initiatives.


• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems.

Skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining operations, and production planning.


• Knowledge of purchasing principles, inventory management, and supplier relationship management.


• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and specifications.


• Strong negotiation and cost-analysis skills.


• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, complemented by strong analytical, negotiation, follow-through, and accuracy capabilities.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.


• Occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds.


• Ability to be present and available in the manufacturing and warehouse areas of the facility on a regular basis.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Inventory turns and inventory accuracy.


• Cost savings and cost avoidance achieved.


• Purchase order accuracy.


• Supplier quality metrics.


• Material availability and production support performance.


• Reduction in expedited freight costs.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Preferred

Functional Expert

Considered a thought leader on a subject

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Detail Oriented

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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