Senior Buyer

Sportech; Elk River (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401k plan with employer match

Paid holidays and vacation

Learning Academy and tuition support

Job summary

Sportech in Elk River, MN seeks a Senior Buyer to manage procurement and supplier relations, ensuring steady material flow for production. You will negotiate terms, monitor performance, and drive cost-reduction through continuous improvement initiatives.

The role requires 5+ years in purchasing, strong ERP/MRP and Lean/Six Sigma experience, and excellent communication. Occasional travel may be required; benefits are substantial.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Business, Operations Management, or Supply Chain preferred.
• 5+ years in purchasing, materials management, or supply chain role.

Responsibilities

• Procure materials and equipment to support production and internal operations.
• Negotiate price, terms, and conditions; obtain quotes and expedite orders.
• Manage material flow and inventory levels to ensure smooth production.
• Communicate specifications and design changes to suppliers.
• Maintain costs in the system for accurate reporting.
• Assess supplier capabilities through periodic plant visits.
• Monitor supplier performance and report results.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the department.

Skills

ERP/MRP systems

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Bachelor of Science in Business/Operations/Supply Chain

Tools

Epicor ERP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Sportech is a rapidly growing company in Elk River, MN. We are looking for talented people who wish to join a values-based company that desires to help our people and customers win. We design, manufacture, and assemble cab components and systems for the powersports, golf and turf, industrial and agricultural end markets. Our design and engineering capabilities allow us to provide complex components and assemblies to our original equipment manufacturer customers. We are always on the gas and seeking dynamic, enthusiastic, and motivated individuals to join our extraordinary team.

Sportech offers eligible full-time employees a robust and competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision plan options, including flexible spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCA)
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Basic life insurance and voluntary life insurance
• Hospital indemnity plans, pet insurance, and legal/identity theft services
• 401k plan with up to a 4% employer match
• Paid company holidays, paid vacation, and paid volunteer time
• Sportech Learning Academy (SLA) with courses offered onsite quarterly, focusing on personal and professional growth and development for employees, and tuition reimbursement options for courses completed outside of Sportech

Further benefits information is provided as part of the offer process for any offer extended by Sportech.

Pay varies by position and is based on multiple factors including labor market data and, depending on position, may include education, work experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or certifications. Additionally, Sportech takes into account the internal equity of current employees when considering compensation. Sportech’s reasonable and good-faith estimate for the range of new hire compensation at the time of posting for this position is between $80,000-$90,000 annually. Pay may also include variable compensation from time to time such as overtime for non-exempt positions, shift differential for specific shifts, and/or bonus targets (subject to plan eligibility and other requirements).

Job Summary

The Senior Buyer reports to the Purchasing Manager and is responsible for procurement of materials, inventory levels, supplier management, and continuous improvement in support of production operations.

Essential Job Functions

• Procure materials & equipment in support of production and internal operations.
• Negotiate basic price, terms, and conditions through ethical and professional negotiations; obtain quotes, place and expedite orders and resolve discrepancies as needed.
• Manage material flow and inventory levels, of assigned commodities, to ensure proper flow of materials to production.
• Understand and communicate specifications, as well as design changes, to suppliers.
• Maintain and update costs in the system to ensure accurate reporting.
• Continually assess supplier capabilities via periodic visits to their facilities.
• Monitor supplier performance and communicate performance results.
• Follow-up with suppliers on continuous improvement activities including corrective actions related to performance.
• Manage communications of non-conforming materials to and from suppliers.
• Builds and maintains strong cross-functional relationships, effectively collaborating with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• May provide leadership to assigned team members, including overseeing day-to-day activities, conducting performance evaluations, and supporting employee development.
• Acts as a change agent by identifying opportunities for improvement and driving adoption of new processes, tools, and best practices across the department.
• Participate in and support continuous improvement efforts to increase efficiency, reduce costs and achieve company goals.
• Identify supply sources for new materials and purchase the required materials to support those efforts.

Requirements

• BA or BS degree (Business, Operations Mgmt., Supply Chain Mgmt., related) strongly preferred with 5+ years of experience in a purchasing, materials management, or supply chain role.
• Previous project leadership and experience leading change, both internally and externally, required.
• Demonstrated experience with ERP/MRP systems and demand-base planning systems is essential. Experience with Epicor is a plus.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, and/or Six Sigma strongly desired.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite required.
• APICS certification strongly desired.
• Requires strong problem solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Must display excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with all levels of an organization.
• Some travel may be required.