Buyer III

Pelican Products, Inc.; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

401(k) with company match

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Health Savings Account

Wellness and mental health programs

Employee discounts on Pelican products

Job summary

Pelican Products, Inc. in Torrance, CA is seeking a Buyer III to secure materials and manage suppliers, driving cost, quality, and delivery improvements across manufacturing.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Product Development, and Manufacturing to meet production needs, evaluate new suppliers, and lead supplier qualification under ISO procedures, with a strong emphasis on cost savings and performance metrics. This role offers growth within a globally trusted brand.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–7 years of purchasing, procurement, or sourcing experience.
• Experience negotiating supplier pricing, contracts, and purchasing terms.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, engineering specifications, and product requirements.
• Experience working with ERP systems to manage purchase orders, material information, and purchasing activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate costs, supplier performance, and purchasing trends.
• Ability to manage multiple purchasing priorities while meeting production schedules and business requirements.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills when working with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Experience developing commodity strategies and supplier qualification.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities for materials and supplies supporting monthly production requirements, with an annual purchasing spend of approximately $5 million to $10 million.
• Review approved purchase requisitions and ERP requirements to issue purchase orders and maintain material availability.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while monitoring performance against KPIs.
• Work with suppliers to improve on-time delivery, resolve past-due orders, and address quality concerns.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, contracts, and purchasing terms to support cost savings and business objectives.
• Evaluate suppliers and recommend sourcing decisions based on pricing, quality, delivery, and operational requirements.
• Lead new supplier qualification activities in accordance with established ISO procedures.
• Develop and execute commodity strategies and purchasing plans that support production and long-term business needs.
• Monitor inventory levels, coordinate supplier shipments, and identify potential material shortages or supply risks.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and material master data within ERP systems, including import and export information.
• Partner with Product Development and Engineering to evaluate and approve new suppliers, materials, and products.
• Analyze purchasing trends, material costs, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Recommend improvements to purchasing procedures, inventory management, and material planning processes.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to other Buyers as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Supplier management

Negotiation

Reading technical drawings

Cost analysis

Supply chain

Communication

Procurement planning

Multitasking

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Who We Are
At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits.

We're Hiring: Buyer III
Location: Torrance, CA
Company: Pelican Products, Inc.
Who We Are
At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits.
With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it’s transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission.
At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You’ll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn’t an option. If you’re ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most.
What You’ll Do
As a Buyer III, you'll play a key role in supporting our manufacturing operations by ensuring the right materials and supplies are available when needed. You'll manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and contracts, develop purchasing strategies, and identify opportunities to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.
You'll also work closely with Engineering, Product Development, and Manufacturing teams to support production requirements, evaluate new suppliers, and strengthen our supply chain.

• Manage purchasing activities for materials and supplies supporting monthly production requirements, with an annual purchasing spend of approximately $5 million to $10 million.
• Review approved purchase requisitions and ERP requirements to issue purchase orders and maintain material availability.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while monitoring performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Work with suppliers to improve on-time delivery, resolve past-due orders, and address quality concerns.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, contracts, and purchasing terms to support cost savings and business objectives.
• Evaluate suppliers and recommend sourcing decisions based on pricing, quality, delivery, and operational requirements.
• Lead new supplier qualification activities in accordance with established ISO procedures.
• Develop and execute commodity strategies and purchasing plans that support production and long-term business needs.
• Monitor inventory levels, coordinate supplier shipments, and identify potential material shortages or supply risks.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and material master data within ERP systems, including import and export information.
• Partner with Product Development and Engineering to evaluate and approve new suppliers, materials, and products.
• Analyze purchasing trends, material costs, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Recommend improvements to purchasing procedures, inventory management, and material planning processes.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to other Buyers as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
  

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum of 5–7 years of purchasing, procurement, or sourcing experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing procedures, supplier management, and procurement practices within manufacturing operations.
• Experience negotiating supplier pricing, contracts, and purchasing terms.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, engineering specifications, and product requirements.
• Experience managing supplier performance, including on-time delivery, quality, and cost.
• Understanding of inventory management, material planning, and production purchasing requirements.
• Experience working with ERP systems to manage purchase orders, material information, and purchasing activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate costs, supplier performance, and purchasing trends.
• Ability to manage multiple purchasing priorities while meeting production schedules and business requirements.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills when working with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, make sound purchasing decisions, and collaborate across departments.
  

Additional Information

• Experience developing commodity strategies and strategic sourcing plans.
• Familiarity with ISO supplier qualification procedures and manufacturing quality requirements.
• Experience supporting new product development and supplier selection.
• Experience managing purchasing portfolios with significant annual spend.
• Experience mentoring or providing guidance to junior Buyers.
• Knowledge of domestic and international purchasing, including import and export requirements.
  

What’s In It For You
Join a company that truly values its employees! We offer a relaxed and casual work environment, a strong commitment to giving back to communities, and a focus on employee satisfaction. With regular opportunities to share feedback with leadership and structured performance evaluations, we ensure that your voice is heard and your growth is supported.

• Competitive paid time off plans / Holiday pay / extra vacation purchase opportunities
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• 401(k) with immediate company match
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Health Savings Account Contribution
• Wellness Discount Program
• Global Mental Wellness Program
• Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
• Peer-to-Peer Recognition Program
• Service Recognition Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee discounts on Pelican products and gear
• Career growth opportunities across Engineering, Operations, and Product Development
• Work on products trusted by military personnel, first responders, industrial professionals, and explorers around the world
• Collaborate with experienced engineers and manufacturing teams while influencing products from concept through production
• Established global brand offering premium products you'll be proud to support
• And more...
  

Compensation & Benefits
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across severalU.S. geographic markets. Base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The annual U.S. pay range for this positionis listed below. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on your qualifications, job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process. We also offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off, 10 paid holidays per year, medical/dental/vision insurance, company-paid life and disability plans, and matching 401k to eligible employees.
Pelican Products, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.