Buyer III

Pelican Recruitment Team; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

401(k) with company match

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

Health Savings Account contribution

Wellness program

Employee discounts on Pelican products

Job summary

Pelican Products, Inc. in Torrance, CA seeks a Buyer III to ensure materials and supplies are available for manufacturing. You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and contracts, and develop purchasing strategies to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Product Development and Manufacturing teams to support production requirements, evaluate new suppliers, and strengthen our supply chain.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of purchasing, procurement or sourcing experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing procedures and supplier management in manufacturing operations.
• Experience negotiating supplier pricing, contracts, and terms.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and engineering specs.
• Experience managing supplier performance including on-time delivery, quality, and cost.
• Understanding of inventory management, material planning, and production purchasing requirements.
• Experience with ERP systems to manage POs, materials data, and purchasing activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities for materials and supplies supporting monthly production, with an annual spend of about $5–$10 million.
• Review requisitions and ERP requirements to issue POs and maintain material availability.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while monitoring KPIs.
• Collaborate 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 objectives.
• Evaluate suppliers and make sourcing recommendations based on price, quality, delivery, and requirements.
• Lead new supplier qualification activities per ISO procedures.
• Develop and execute commodity strategies and purchasing plans to support production and long-term needs.
• Monitor inventory levels, coordinate shipments, and identify shortages or risks.
• Maintain purchasing data and material master data in ERP systems.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Supplier management

Negotiation

ERP knowledge

Cost analysis

Technical drawings

Analytical skills

Independent work

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

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, preferable 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...