Plant Buyer & Sourcing Specialist (Manufacturing)

U.S. Pipe; Bessemer (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Pipe, located in Bessemer, Alabama, is seeking a Plant Buyer to support our manufacturing operations under the Purchasing Manager.

The role focuses on purchasing materials, supplies, and services in accordance with prescribed procedures and aligns with plant production goals. Responsibilities include evaluating requests for cost-effective sourcing, selecting vendors, issuing POs, tracking orders, and coordinating with Accounts Payable.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 3–5 years purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of general production/manufacturing and inventory management practices; basic business math.
• Familiarity with materials used in the manufacture of ductile iron pipe.
• Knowledge and experience with ERP systems and inventory management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, safety-conscious, self-motivated team player.

Responsibilities

• Examine purchase requests and determine the most cost-effective method for processing based on cost, time requirements, open contracts and competitive bidding.
• Identifies and selects vendors to procure required materials, negotiating for best price, satisfying quantity, quality and delivery date requirements.
• Creates and issues purchase orders/scrap POs to vendors in accordance with company procedures.
• Tracks open purchase orders against production demands and coordinates with vendors to ensure materials and services are delivered in a timely manner.
• Develops and maintains a list of approved vendors, ensuring their compliance with standard company requirements.
• Controls the inventory management process of raw materials required for plant operations.
• Coordinates with Accounts Payable and vendors to resolve invoice discrepancies.
• Generates and distributes various purchasing and inventory management reports at required intervals.
• Follows company policies and best practices to support plant cost savings, vendor performance improvements, and other initiatives
• Coordinates material returns and repairs with vendors and reviews quotes to determine cost effectiveness of repair vs. replace.
• Communicates and enforces purchasing procedures internally and assists plant personnel with all aspects of the purchasing process as needed.
• Serves as backup for Stores and Purchasing personnel in the event of absences or other need.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Manufacturing environment

ERP systems

Inventory management

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

U.S. Pipe, located in Bessemer, Alabama, is seeking a Plant Buyer to support our manufacturing operations under the Purchasing Manager.

The role focuses on purchasing materials, supplies, and services in accordance with prescribed procedures and aligns with plant production goals. Responsibilities include evaluating requests for cost-effective sourcing, selecting vendors, issuing POs, tracking orders, and coordinating with Accounts Payable.