Buyer III

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Buyer to support procurement for drilling equipment manufacturing in a global supply chain.

You will manage direct and indirect materials, drive supplier performance, and optimize inventory while coordinating logistics to ensure uninterrupted operations. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical, operational, and communication skills, with experience in ERP systems and a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Operations, Inventory Management, or Logistics.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing environment required.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JDE, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Execute purchasing activities for raw materials, machined components, castings, forgings, MRO supplies, and services supporting drilling equipment manufacturing.
• Create and manage purchase orders while ensuring compliance with company procurement policies and contractual requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with Operations, Planning, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Logistics teams to support production schedules and customer commitments.
• Analyze inventory levels and demand requirements to maintain optimal stock while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Expedite critical materials and resolve supply disruptions that may impact manufacturing operations.
• Support supplier negotiations involving pricing, lead times, payment terms, and service agreements.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics activities with freight providers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that reduce total supply chain costs and improve service levels.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, and supplier data within ERP systems.
• Generate procurement and inventory performance reports and provide recommendations to management.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationship management

Inventory planning

Logistics coordination

Cost analysis

Problem solving

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Office proficiency

Multi-tasking

Operational excellence

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's Degree Preferred

Tools

SAP

Oracle

JDE

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Buyer to join our global supply chain organization supporting the manufacturing and delivery of drilling equipment and related products. The Buyer will be responsible for procuring direct and indirect materials, managing supplier relationships, supporting inventory optimization initiatives, and coordinating logistics activities to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical, operational, and communication Key Responsibilities

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Execute purchasing activities for raw materials, machined components, castings, forgings, MRO supplies, and services supporting drilling equipment manufacturing.
• Create and manage purchase orders while ensuring compliance with company procurement policies and contractual requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with Operations, Planning, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Logistics teams to support production schedules and customer commitments.
• Analyze inventory levels and demand requirements to maintain optimal stock while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Expedite critical materials and resolve supply disruptions that may impact manufacturing operations.
• Support supplier negotiations involving pricing, lead times, payment terms, and service agreements.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics activities with freight providers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that reduce total supply chain costs and improve service levels.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, and supplier data within ERP systems.
• Generate procurement and inventory performance reports and provide recommendations to management.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Strategic sourcing and procurement management
• Supplier relationship development and performance management
• Inventory planning, forecasting, and optimization
• Logistics and supply chain coordination
• Cost analysis, contract negotiation, and cost reduction initiatives
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Data analysis, reporting, and performance metric tracking
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP systems
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor's Degree Preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Operations, Inventory Management, or Logistics.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing environment required.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JDE, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of inventory control methodologies and material planning processes.
• Understanding of domestic and international logistics and transportation operations.
• Experience within the Oil & Gas, Energy, Industrial Manufacturing, or Drilling Equipment industries preferred.
• Exposure to global sourcing and international supplier management preferred.
• APICS/ASCM, CPSM, or related professional certification preferred.

About FET

FET (Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.) is a global company, serving the crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy industries. FET is headquartered in Houston, TX with quality manufacturing, efficient distribution, and service facilities conveniently located to support the major energy-producing regions of the world. Forum’s products and services range from the underwater reservoir to the refinery, from the sea floor to the above ground transportation line. We pride ourselves on giving you a comprehensive offering of solutions to maximize your operations and improve your bottom line. Our customers are our partners and we work with them to solve their ever-changing challenges.

FET is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FET does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions and practices at FET are subject to the foregoing non-discrimination provisions and are based solely on merit, competence, performance, and business needs at the time.

FET participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. FET participa en E-Verify y proporcionará al gobierno federal la información de su Formulario I-9 para confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar en los EE.UU.
As part of our hiring process, we may use technology, including AI-enabled tools, to help review and assess applications based on job-related criteria. All hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team and hiring managers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.