Manufacturing - Buyer

Smithsgroup2; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

John Crane Inc. is seeking a procurement specialist to manage direct materials and subcontract services, ensuring PO creation, acknowledgment, and alignment with DOA and global contracts.

The role emphasizes RFQ execution, price negotiations, supplier performance management, and data integrity in the ERP system, with a focus on cost reduction and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical capabilities and process-oriented mindset.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Create, modify, update, and manage the acknowledgment of Purchase Orders (PO's) from Requisition to Delivery for Direct materials and relevant subcontract services, in line with the Delegation of Authority policy and approval process
• Ensure PO acknowledgements from suppliers are complete and relevant data always updated in ERP system
• Ensure the timely and efficient processing and acknowledgement of purchase orders and MRP action messages (Order, Expedite, De‑Expedite, Cancel)
• Manage the return of defective items to suppliers and implement any associated PO management activities (e.g. management of Return PO's)
• Approve and release PO's according with designated approval levels in the DOA
• Resolve MRP Exception messages on a daily basis
• Ensure PO creation and management is aligned to any global contract that is in place
• Resolve invoice holds
• Drive positive commercial impact: Conduct complex RFQ exercises with the supply market to identify and select best source of supply for specific items or subcontract services in line with competitive bidding policies.
• Conduct structured price negotiations with Suppliers using benchmarking and other techniques to ensure best value for JC
• Work with the supply market and internal customers to optimize lead times and inventory for JC in line with agreed targets
• Effective Supplier Management
• Coordinate with suppliers to expedite delivery where required to meet business needs
• Manage specific supplier relationships as directed
• Act as the point of contact/liaison between suppliers and stakeholder functions where required
• Track and manage supplier performance to meet established targets and contractual requirements
• Develop contractual arrangements with suppliers where required
• Coordinate the onboarding and registration of new suppliers
• Data Management
• Ensure new pricing and supplier data is updated in ERP systems consistently, accurately, and regularly.
• Control Direct material costs and achieve savings as per annual targets; the ability to identify and deliver cost reduction opportunities is critical to success in this role.

Skills

Analytical skills

Process orientation

Communication

Negotiation

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

No Sponsorship available.

This role, supporting John Crane Inc., carries local and global responsibility when applicable, for managing and developing the supply base, as well as hands‑on accountability for executing effective and efficient transactional procurement activities through adherence to Standard Work processes, while driving positive commercial outcomes.

Ensure best value and efficient procurement of goods and sub‑contracted services within a defined scope of business support, in compliance with the Smiths Group PLC Code of Conduct and John Crane's Procure-to-Pay (P2P) policy, while maintaining a professional and consistent approach to all supplier relationships.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical capabilities, a process‑oriented mindset, excellent communication and relationship management skills, and the ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers.

Adhere to daily Standard Work for purchasing team members.

• Create, modify, update, and manage the acknowledgment of Purchase Orders (PO's) from Requisition to Delivery for Direct materials and relevant subcontract services, in line with the Delegation of Authority policy and approval process
• Ensure PO acknowledgements from suppliers are complete and relevant data always updated in ERP system
• Ensure the timely and efficient processing and acknowledgement of purchase orders and MRP action messages (Order, Expedite, De‑Expedite, Cancel)
• Manage the return of defective items to suppliers and implement any associated PO management activities (e.g. management of Return PO's)
• Approve and release PO's according with designated approval levels in the DOA
• Resolve MRP Exception messages on a daily basis
• Ensure PO creation and management is aligned to any global contract that is in place
• Resolve invoice holds
• Drive positive commercial impact:
• Conduct complex RFQ exercises with the supply market to identify and select best source of supply for specific items or subcontract services in line with competitive bidding policies.
• Conduct structured price negotiations with Suppliers using benchmarking and other techniques to ensure best value for JC
• Work with the supply market and internal customers to optimize lead times and inventory for JC in line with agreed targets
• Effective Supplier Management
• Coordinate with suppliers to expedite delivery where required to meet business needs
• Manage specific supplier relationships as directed
• Act as the point of contact/liaison between suppliers and stakeholder functions where required
• Track and manage supplier performance to meet established targets and contractual requirements
• Develop contractual arrangements with suppliers where required
• Coordinate the onboarding and registration of new suppliers
• Data Management
• Ensure new pricing and supplier data is updated in ERP systems consistently, accurately, and regularly.
• Control Direct material costs and achieve savings as per annual targets; the ability to identify and deliver cost reduction opportunities is critical to success in this role.
• Active participation in continuous improvement projects on a regular basis is expected. Develop ideas to improve operational efficiency, add value and support continuous improvement culture and personal accountability in area of responsibility.

John Crane, as a global organization, promotes collaboration across internal areas and various business units, strengthening strategic alignment and enabling the efficient execution of operations and projects. All employees are expected to uphold and actively support this collaborative approach, fostering strong partnerships and contributing to shared business success.

High School Diploma or Equivalent is required.

Must have 5+ purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment (mechanical metal area is required, no exceptions )

Ideally, experience in procuring / sourcing process‑based measuring instruments such as (various gauges & transmitters), piping components such as (pipe fittings, pipes, tubes, flanges fittings fasteners, gaskets), critical components such as (pumps, coolers, accumulator, motors etc.).

Experience in procuring / sourcing on fabrication API Plans, spools, skids, auxiliary systems etc. is an added advantage.

Well versed in purchasing techniques and logistical supply chain

Excellent customer service skills

Must have knowledge of Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) systems

Must have intermediate skills with MS Office Suite

With colleagues stretching across the globe, we are proud of our diversity. To foster inclusivity, we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other. Our cross‑business ERGs include Veterans, Pride Network, Black Employee Network, Women@Work Network, and Neurodiversity.

Across our company, we recognize excellence, culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards, our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities, people, and projects that best showcase ou