Materials Buyer

Partners Personnel; Buford (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Partners Personnel is seeking a highly motivated Non-Production Materials (NPM) Buyer to ensure uninterrupted supply of indirect materials for manufacturing. You will lead strategic sourcing across PPE, facilities, packaging, office supplies, logistics, and IT services, negotiate favorable terms, and drive cost savings while maintaining strong supplier partnerships.

The role requires 3–7 years in purchasing, experience with SAP/ERP, and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field; an MBA or CPSM/ISM

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• MBA or professional procurement certification (CPSM, CPM, APICS, ISM) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing activities across multiple indirect procurement categories (PPE, facility management, packaging, office supplies, temporary labor, logistics, capital equipment, utilities, IT hardware/software).
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes and supplier selection.
• Analyze supplier quotations, negotiate pricing and terms, and manage LTAs/MSAs.
• Build and maintain supplier partnerships and monitor performance (quality, delivery, service, cost).
• Develop cost-reduction and productivity projects; resolve supply disruptions and disputes.
• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, IT, and other functions to support plant requirements and capital projects.
• Maintain contracts and procurement documentation in SAP/ERP and ensure pricing accuracy.

Skills

Sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier Management

Data Analysis

Excel

ERP insight

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or CPSM/CPM/ISM

Tools

SAP

ERP Software

MS Excel

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Non-Production Materials (NPM) Buyer to join our procurement team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of indirect materials and services required to support manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have strong sourcing, negotiation, supplier management, and analytical skills, along with experience in a manufacturing environment. Automotive industry experience is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Manage sourcing activities across multiple indirect procurement categories, including:
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Facility management services
• Packaging and consumables
• Office supplies and equipment
• Temporary labor services
• Logistics and transportation services
• Capital equipment support services
• Utilities and energy-related services
• IT hardware, software, and related services
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes and supplier selection initiatives.
• Analyze supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, payment terms, contracts, and commercial agreements.
• Develop and execute cost-reduction and productivity improvement projects.
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, service, and cost.
• Conduct supplier business reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Resolve supply disruptions and commercial disputes.
• Ensure supplier compliance with company standards and contractual obligations.

Cost & Contract Management

• Develop and implement annual cost savings strategies.
• Identify opportunities for spend optimization and supplier consolidation.
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to support sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate and manage Long-Term Agreements (LTAs), Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and purchase contracts.
• Maintain accurate contract documentation and purchasing records.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Engineering, Facilities, EHS, Finance, HR, IT, and Logistics teams.
• Support plant requirements and urgent operational needs.
• Assist with new product launches, facility expansions, and capital projects.
• Provide procurement support for operational and capital expenditure initiatives.

SAP / ERP Management

• Maintain purchasing information records, contracts, and source lists within SAP.
• Create and manage purchase orders and procurement documentation.
• Ensure pricing accuracy and contract compliance within ERP systems.
• Help resolve invoice discrepancies and supplier payment issues.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies and audit requirements.
• Support supplier sustainability, diversity, and ESG initiatives.
• Promote ethical sourcing and procurement practices.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• MBA or professional procurement certification (CPSM, CPM, APICS, ISM) preferred.

Experience

• 3-7 years of purchasing, sourcing, or procurement experience.
• Experience managing indirect procurement or NPM categories.
• Proven supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
• Automotive manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Experience with SAP or other ERP purchasing systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.
• Familiarity with sourcing tools and procurement platforms.
• Strong understanding of purchasing processes, contracts, and commercial terms.

Soft Skills

• Excellent negotiation and influencing abilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Results-driven, self-motivated, and proactive.

What Success Looks Like

Key performance indicators for this role include:

• Annual cost savings and cost avoidance achievements
• Contract compliance rates
• Purchase Price Variance (PPV) improvements
• RFQ cycle time reduction
• Working capital optimization
• Procurement process compliance
• Supply continuity and risk mitigation effectiveness

Why Join Us?

Join a dynamic manufacturing organization where your procurement expertise will directly impact operational success, supplier performance, and cost optimization. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate across departments, lead strategic sourcing initiatives, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts in a growing environment.