Project Buyer

Central States Industrial (CSI); Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Retirement planning options

Education reimbursement

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Central States Industrial (CSI) is seeking a Project Buyer in Springfield, MO. You will manage purchasing activities, from RFQ evaluation to order placement, aligning with project schedules and inventory plans.

The role emphasizes supplier relationships, price negotiations, and coordinating with Engineering and Manufacturing to ensure timely delivery and material readiness. Strong communication and organization are essential.

Qualifications

• Procurement experience focusing on purchases for projects or production.
• Ability to evaluate RFQs and negotiate pricing.
• Understanding of supplier performance and delivery schedules.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage purchase orders and quotes to support project schedules.
• Develop supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms and pricing.
• Monitor inventory, lead times and supplier performance.
• Ensure ERP data accuracy for part records and pricing.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Project Management and Operations.

Skills

Procurement

Supplier relationships

Negotiation

Inventory planning

ERP systems

Excel

Education

High School Diploma

College coursework in Procurement/Supply Chain

Tools

ERP

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Pay: $27-$30 per hour Location: Springfield, MO

The Role

The Project Buyer is responsible for managing procurement activities for products and services, with a strong focus on supply chain performance, project execution, and strategic sourcing. This role requires a deep understanding of supplier relationships, pricing, lead times, inventory planning for complex projects, and delivery logistics to maintain optimal stock levels during the project duration. This position will work closely with Engineers, Project Managers, Designers, and Manufacturing to align purchasing actions with project schedules, facilitate the Instrument List process, and support material readiness. Responsibilities include evaluating RFQs, formulating supplier selection and negotiation strategy to drive optimal pricing, obtain competitive bids, and purchase products and services. You will recommend substitutions, manage vendor performance, review corrective action reports, and ensure timely delivery. The position is ideal for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and eager to grow within purchasing and supply chain operations. Success in this role requires strong communication, accountability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while learning how purchasing decisions impact operational success.

About CSI

CSI provides state-of-the-art stainless-steel process equipment and service for manufacturers in the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. We are a growing company built on teamwork, continuous learning, and exceptional customer service. Our employees are our greatest resource, and we invest in their development through training, collaboration, and opportunities to grow.

What You’ll Do

• Manage Purchasing Activities: Create and manage purchase orders, solicit quotes, negotiate pricing and terms, and ensure materials are purchased and delivered on time to support operational and project needs.
• Manage Suppliers & Vendor Relationships: Identify and develop qualified vendors, maintain positive supplier relationships, negotiate favorable terms, resolve quality and delivery issues, and ensure vendors meet CSI specifications and requirements.
• Monitor Inventory & Supply Chain: Maintain appropriate inventory levels, monitor lead times and late materials, identify supply chain risks, coordinate expedites and substitutions, and minimize excess, slow-moving, or obsolete inventory.
• Ensure Data & ERP Accuracy: Maintain accurate part records, supplier price lists, vendor information, purchase orders, lead times, pricing, and other ERP data while ensuring information is complete, current, and consistent across systems.
• Collaborate Across Departments: Partner with Finance, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, Fabrication, Field Services, Process Engineering, and Project Management to support quotes, orders, material requirements, specifications, and customer needs.
• Support Projects & Technical Procurement: Provide purchasing support for custom and manufactured products, assist with Instrument Lists and project procurement requirements, distribute RFQs based on customer and engineering specifications, and develop technical product knowledge.
• Drive Communication, Compliance & Continuous Improvement: Proactively communicate material status and potential delays, resolve receiving and return issues, maintain purchasing documentation, follow established procedures and project checklists, complete required ERP training, and support a safe, productive workplace.

Education & Training

• High School Diploma or equivalent, required
• College coursework in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Inventory Management, preferred

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, customer service, operations, logistics, inventory, or related field, preferred
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, required
• ERP experience preferred, but not required
• Sanitary stainless-steel industry background, helpful

Why Join CSI?

• Competitive compensation: $27-$30 per hour.
• Growth-focused, team-oriented culture
• Diverse, high-impact industrial projects
• Strong benefits + career development support

Benefits & Perks

• Health and wellness benefits
• Paid time off
• Retirement planning options
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
• Opportunities for internal career advancement
• Company lunches, team events, and community volunteer opportunities

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

Our environment emphasizes accountability, respect, teamwork, and continuous learning. This role is primarily office-based, Monday-Friday, with limited travel. It requires extended computer use, effective communication, and occasional movement within industrial environments. Light physical activity, including standing, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds, may be required. CSI is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and employment process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CSI is committed to equal opportunity employment. We select candidates based on their ability to perform the work in a competent and professional manner and do not discriminate based on age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. CSI participates in E-Verify.