Buyer II

CPM; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

CPM Holdings, Inc. seeks a Buyer II to manage purchasing for assigned materials, suppliers, or categories, bridging transactional buying and strategic sourcing to support production and cost control.

The role requires 2–5+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience, ERP/MRP knowledge, and strong analytical and communication skills; reading engineering prints is essential. This is a full‑time on‑site position based in Waterloo, IA.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret manufacturing and fabrication prints.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchase orders and supplier schedules.
• Analyze demand, inventory levels, and supplier capacity.
• Support RFQs and pricing reviews with guidance from senior buyers.
• Purchase fabricated parts and assemblies per engineering specs and cost targets.
• Communicate with suppliers to manage delivery, quality, and pricing.
• Read and interpret engineering prints to ensure correct revision levels.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Prioritization

Independent decision-making

Problem solving

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

CPM Holdings, Inc. is a diversified leading global supplier of process equipment and engineered technologies that sustainably feed, fuel, and build a better world. With its growing family of 17 market-leading product brands, CPM serves a variety of industries including animal feed, consumer food, green energy, advanced materials and sustainable packaging. Founded in 1883, CPM has 1,700 employees across 36 facilities on 4 continents with presence in 150+ countries. From the food you eat to the fuels you require; CPM plays an important role in making the world more efficient and more sustainable.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Buyer II independently manages purchasing activities for assigned materials, suppliers, or categories. This role requires a solid understanding of procurement processes and the ability to make informed buying decisions that support production, inventory optimization, and cost control. The Buyer II serves as a key contributor within the purchasing team and acts as a bridge between transactional buying and more strategic sourcing responsibilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement & Buying

• Manage purchase orders and schedules for assigned commodities or suppliers.
• Analyze demand, inventory levels, and supplier capacity to ensure continuity of supply.
• Support RFQs and pricing reviews under guidance from senior buyers.
• Purchase fabricated parts and assemblies in alignment with engineering specifications, production needs, and cost targets.
• Support sourcing of new or revised fabricated components during engineering changes or new product introductions.

Supplier Management

• Maintain regular communication with suppliers to manage delivery, quality, and pricing.
• Resolve routine supplier issues independently and elevate complex issues when necessary.
• Monitor supplier performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Identify supply risks, including sole source exposure and supports dual sourcing efforts

Technical & Print Interpretation

• Independently read and interpret engineering prints, including tolerances, materials, finishes, and revision control.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality to clarify requirements and resolve print-related issues with suppliers.
• Ensure suppliers are quoting and manufacturing to the correct revision level.

Inventory & Production Collaboration

• Partner with planning, production, and engineering teams to align material flow with manufacturing needs.
• Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and material substitutions.
• Identify and help reduce excess, obsolete, or slow-moving inventory.

Cost & Process Improvement

• Support cost reduction and cost avoidance initiatives.
• Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements within purchasing workflows.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and internal controls.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 2-5+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and procurement best practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and make independent decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret manufacturing and fabrication prints.
• Experience purchasing fabricated parts such as machined components, weldments, laser-cut, or formed parts.

Preferred

• Experience managing suppliers or commodity groups.
• Exposure to negotiations or contract pricing.
• APICS or related certification (or willingness to pursue).

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Independent decision-making
• Supplier communication and follow-through
• Data analysis and problem-solving
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Continuous improvement mindset

SUCCESS MEASURES

• Material availability and on-time delivery
• Inventory health and turnover
• Supplier performance and responsiveness
• Contribution to cost and process improvements

CPM Acquisition Corp. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. CPM Acquisition Corp. offers competitive compensation and benefits, including paid holidays and vacations, 401k, medical/dental insurance, tuition assistance, and more.