Manufacturing Buyer

3M HEALTHCARE; Mount Washington (KY); On-site; USD 57,500 - 86,200; Full time

Job summary

Fortna is seeking a Manufacturing Buyer to plan and control the flow of purchased parts from suppliers through the production value stream. The role ensures materials are available when needed, maintains inventory accuracy, and proactively addresses supply chain challenges.

The position emphasizes data-driven insights, cross-functional collaboration, and opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining quality in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or 3+ years in manufacturing supply chain.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably IQMS.
• Experience implementing lean principles (5S, visual management, pull systems).
• Ability to read part lists and work with planning systems.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely receipt of purchased parts and manage inventory accuracy.
• Address shortages by coordinating with internal teams and suppliers.
• Monitor inventory levels, lot sizes, and replenishment schedules.
• Negotiate per-item pricing and optimize purchasing decisions.
• Communicate impact of material shortages to production teams.
• Develop input for continuous improvement projects.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

5S

Visual management

Continuous improvement

Pull systems

Data analysis

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

IQMS ERP

Job description

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known worldwide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. “Join the Movement” encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach.

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Buyer is responsible for planning and controlling the flow of purchased parts from suppliers through the production value stream. This role ensures materials are available when needed, maintains inventory accuracy, and proactively manages supply chain challenges to support seamless production operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate receipt of purchased parts in required quantities.
• Proactively manage and expedite component part shortages by identifying and addressing internal and supplier-related issues.
• Monitor and control inventory levels by analyzing lot sizes, replenishment schedules, and shipping frequencies.
• Evaluate material requirements to maintain a consistent and timely flow to meet production and customer demands.
• Identify and address potential material availability issues that may affect in-process assemblies.
• Confirm supply and demand alignment based on shop floor load and inventory requirements.
• Proactively identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency without compromising quality, leveraging data-driven insights and innovative solutions to drive measurable savings.
• Leverage market knowledge to negotiate per-item pricing and optimize purchasing decisions.
• Communicate the impact of material shortages on assemblies and finished goods to production teams.
• Escalate supplier constraints and issues to Procurement Leader as needed.
• Coordinate cross‑functional activities with quality, manufacturing, engineering, and purchasing teams.
• Develop and propose solutions to mitigate potential work stoppages caused by material delays.
• Act as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders regarding material availability and delivery schedules.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Plan and manage space requirements for assigned commodities.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and implement integrity strategies for purchased materials.
• Analyze inventory velocity and identify risks of excess or obsolete inventory.
• Make effective decisions in a fast‑paced, dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously with efficiency and accuracy.
• Generate and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly reports and performance metrics.
• Develop and maintain material replenishment strategies for each component in the value stream.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a minimum of 3 years equivalent experience in a manufacturing supply chain environment.
• Strong understanding of ERP systems (IQMS experience preferred).
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, including 5S, visual management, continuous improvement, and pull systems.
• Proven experience in supply chain, manufacturing operations, and inventory control.
• Ability to read and evaluate part lists and work with production planning systems.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills under pressure.
• Effective communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Experience documenting and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to analyze data and generate actionable insights to improve operations.

Base salary range: $57,500 to $86,200. The base salary range represents the low and high end of the base salary range for this position. Actual base salary offered will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, level, job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and performance.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job‑related duties as requested by their supervisor.

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.