Strategic Buyer II: Sourcing, Negotiation & Multi-Plant

Kirby Corporation; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

United Holdings is seeking a Buyer II in Houston, TX to oversee parts purchasing for manufacturing schedules. The role requires sourcing and negotiating materials, tracking part status, and supporting multiple facilities, including a remote site in OKC.

Responsibilities include supplier relations, analytics, and providing weekly status reports. Travel up to 20% may be required and safety culture is emphasized.

Qualifications

• GED with three years related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain strongly preferred, or technical/manufacturing background.

Responsibilities

• Source and negotiate materials to secure best value for the organization.
• Remain informed of the parts status for each job on the Manufacturing Schedule.
• Provide technical support to the other buyers.
• Supply a weekly parts status report for each project to the purchasing manager.
• Communicate with the logistics coordinator to move units between locations.
• Follow up on all open POs daily to maintain status of all parts ordered.
• Confirm all ordered parts delivered at least one week prior to build start date.
• Maintain commitment to safety culture.
• Flexibility to support workload and schedules.
• Support two manufacturing facilities: local and remote (OKC).

Skills

Reading drawings

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Self-motivation

Education

GED with related experience

Bachelor’s in supply chain

Tools

SAP BOE

Oracle ERP

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Overview

United Holdings is Now Hiring a Buyer II located in Houston, TX.

Oversee and coordinate the activities of the purchasing and tracking of all parts necessary for current jobs being manufactured. This role has the potential to convert into a Full Time position. Office located near Cypress, Texas.

Responsibilities

• Source and negotiate materials to secure the best value for the organization, balancing quality, cost, lead time, and supplier performance while ensuring on-time delivery to support the Manufacturing Schedule.
• Remain informed of the parts status for each job assigned on the Manufacturing Schedule.
• Provide technical support to the other buyers.
• Supply a weekly parts status report for each project to the purchasing manager prior to each weekly production meeting.
• Communicate with the logistics coordinator as needed to move units or products between Manufacturing locations.
• Follow up on all open PO’s daily to maintain status of all parts ordered.
• Confirm all ordered parts are delivered no less than one week prior to the build start date.
• Maintain a strong, personal commitment to the safety culture.
• Flexibility to support workload demands, project schedules, and business priorities when needed.
• Ability to work for two different manufacturing facilities: the local one and a remote one in OKC.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Skill in preparing and analyzing complex technical specifications and bids.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings and specifications.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and willing to take on new challenges.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across Purchasing, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and Project Management.
• Strong calculative and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to utilize desktop computer systems, hardware, and operating systems.
• Knowledge of materials, products, and commodity markets related to assigned categories.

Education:

• General Education Degree (GED) and three years related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain strongly preferred, or technical/manufacturing background.

Experience:

• Three years of related purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience preferred, ideally in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with purchasing components such as electronics, electrical assemblies, fabricated parts, or mechanical components (including panel boards, motors, and switchgears) preferred.
• Planning knowledge preferred.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Familiarity with demand forecasting tools, SAP BOE, ASCP knowledge preferred.
• Experience with Oracle ERP preferred.
• Experience with Power BI preferred.

Physical Activities & Requirements:

• Standard office criteria.

Working Conditions:

• On-site position: attendance required five days per week.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% as business needs require.