Buyer/Supply Chain Manager - Columbia, KY

Phillips Tank & Structure; Columbia (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IT allowance

Company laptop

Paid time off

Job summary

Phillips Tank & Structure in Columbia, KY seeks a detail-oriented Buyer/Supply Chain Manager to oversee purchasing, vendor management, inventory control, and overall supply chain performance. The role supports production and project schedules in a fast-paced fabrication environment, requiring initiative and teamwork.

The ideal candidate will have 3–7 years’ purchasing or supply chain experience, strong negotiation and ERP/MRP skills, and a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, manufacturing or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.
• 3-7 years of Purchasing or Supply Chain experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word & Excel, ERP/MRP systems, internet software and email.
• Experience in a deadline-driven environment and exposure to lean manufacturing or production scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with vendors for raw materials, equipment, and services.
• Issue purchase orders and maintain accurate purchasing records.
• Monitor market trends, pricing, and lead times to ensure competitive sourcing.
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Manage material planning to meet production and project schedules.
• Coordinate with production, project management, and fabrication teams.
• Track shipments and resolve delays or supply issues proactively.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure optimal stock levels.
• Reduce excess inventory and minimize stockouts.
• Analyze purchasing trends and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Develop and improve procurement procedures.
• Implement systems to increase efficiency and visibility.
• Track KPIs such as supplier performance, on-time delivery and cost savings.
• Ensure the timely delivery of all materials.
• Assist in purchasing production materials such as steel, aluminum, hardware, and fabrication consumables.
• Create and manage purchase orders while verifying pricing, quantities, and delivery dates.
• Track open orders and follow up with suppliers to confirm commitments and prevent delays.
• Coordinate outside processing services including powder coating, machining, laser cutting, and plating.
• Maintain accurate data in ERP/MRP systems and organized procurement records.

Skills

Vendor negotiation

Purchasing

Inventory control

Supply chain management

Data analysis

ERP/MRP proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Buyer/Supply Chain Manager Thank you for your interest in joining the Phillips Tank & Structure team! We design, engineer, construct, and repair above-ground steel storage tanks and other related structures. Headquartered in Braddock, Pennsylvania, Phillips Tank is a growing company with a family-like culture. This position is based in our Columbia, Kentucky office. We have active projects in various industries, including petroleum, power, chemical, and renewable fuels markets, throughout the United States. Phillips Tank utilizes state-of-the-art 3D modeling software to produce detailed design and fabrication drawings that are among the best in the industry.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Buyer/Supply Chain Manager to oversee purchasing, vendor management, inventory control, and overall supply chain performance. This role plays a critical part in ensuring materials and services are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and delivered on time to support production and project schedules.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced fabrication or manufacturing environment. Just as important, we are looking for a self-starter with a strong work ethic, a willingness to roll up their sleeves, learn the business, and help wherever needed. Cultural fit, initiative, adaptability, and a team-first attitude are top priorities for this role.
Compensation : Commensurate with experience. Included is an IT Allowance of $35 per month, plus a company laptop computer. Benefits : Competitive Benefits. Available on the 1 st of the month after a 30-day waiting period from the hire date. Phillips Tank pays approximately 60% and employees pay 40% of medical benefits premiums. Employees pay 100% for all other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off. Status : Full-time/Hourly (Overtime Non-Exempt). NOTE: Compensation, benefits, and other position details are subject to Phillips Tank’s policies and procedures.
Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with vendors for raw materials, equipment, and services
• Issue purchase orders and maintain accurate purchasing records
• Monitor market trends, pricing, and lead times to ensure competitive sourcing
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships
• Manage material planning to meet production and project schedules
• Coordinate with production, project management, and fabrication teams
• Track shipments and resolve delays or supply issues proactively
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply chain disruptions
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure optimal stock levels
• Reduce excess inventory and minimize stockouts
• Analyze purchasing trends and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes
• Develop and improve procurement procedures
• Implement systems to increase efficiency and visibility
• Track KPIs such as supplier performance, on-time delivery and cost savings
• Ensure the timely delivery of all materials.
• Assist in purchasing production materials such as steel, aluminum, hardware, and fabrication consumables.
• Create and manage purchase orders while verifying pricing, quantities, and delivery dates.
• Track open orders and follow up with suppliers to confirm commitments and prevent delays.
• Coordinate outside processing services including powder coating, machining, laser cutting, and plating.
• Maintain accurate data in ERP/MRP systems and organized procurement records.
• Understand project budget and communicate any anticipated or actual cost overruns to the Project Management Group.
• Additional assignments may include shop support, yard maintenance, housekeeping, and other general operational tasks as needed.

What We Value:

• A go-getter mentality and willingness to take initiative
• A hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves approach
• Willingness to learn unfamiliar processes and grow with the role
• Flexibility to support the team wherever needed
• Strong cultural fit, teamwork, and a positive attitude

Qualifications :

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, manufacturing or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.
• Experience: 3-7 years of Purchasing or Supply Chainexperience.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word & Excel, ERP/MRP systems, internet software and email
  • Comfortable working in a deadline driven environment
  • Exposure to lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, quality control or production scheduling
• Teamwork & Collaboration:
  • Team player with clear and respectful communication skills
  • Curious and eager to learn new tools, processes and industry standards
• Problem Solving & Decision Making:
  • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the initiative to investigate issues, identify root causes, and recommend practical solutions
• Documentation & Organization:
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple jobs at once
  • Strong attention to detail