Strategic Buyer III: Supplier & Cost Optimization

Peli Products Germany GmbH; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

401(k) match

Medical, Dental, Vision

Health Savings Account

Job summary

Pelican Products, Inc. in Torrance, CA is seeking a Buyer III to manage purchasing for materials and supplies supporting monthly production, ensuring material availability and strong supplier relationships.

You will negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms while coordinating with Engineering, Product Development, and Manufacturing to meet production needs. You’ll lead supplier qualification activities per ISO procedures, develop commodity strategies, monitor KPIs, and optimize costs, delivery,

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in purchasing/procurement/sourcing, preferably in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of purchasing procedures, supplier management, and procurement practices in manufacturing.
• Experience negotiating supplier pricing, contracts, and purchasing terms.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and engineering specifications.
• Experience managing supplier performance, including on-time delivery, quality, and cost.
• Understanding of inventory management, material planning, and production purchasing requirements.
• Experience with ERP systems to manage purchase orders, material information, and purchasing activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple purchasing priorities while meeting production schedules and business requirements.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing for materials supporting monthly production with annual spend of approx. $5–$10M.
• Review approved requisitions and ERP requirements to issue POs and maintain material availability.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships while monitoring KPIs.
• Work with suppliers to improve on-time delivery, resolve past-due orders, and address quality concerns.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, contracts, and purchasing terms to support cost savings and business objectives.
• Evaluate suppliers and recommend sourcing decisions based on pricing, quality, delivery, and operational requirements.
• Lead new supplier qualification activities per ISO procedures.
• Develop and execute commodity strategies and purchasing plans that support production and long-term needs.
• Monitor inventory levels, coordinate supplier shipments, and identify shortages or risks.
• Maintain ERP data including import/export information.
• Partner with Product Development and Engineering to evaluate and approve new suppliers, materials, and products.
• Analyze purchasing trends, material costs, and supplier performance for improvements.
• Recommend improvements to purchasing procedures, inventory management, and material planning processes.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to other Buyers as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Supplier management

Negotiation skills

Reading drawings

Engineering specs

Supplier performance

Inventory planning

ERP systems

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Pelican Products, Inc. in Torrance, CA is seeking a Buyer III to manage purchasing for materials and supplies supporting monthly production, ensuring material availability and strong supplier relationships.

You will negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms while coordinating with Engineering, Product Development, and Manufacturing to meet production needs. You’ll lead supplier qualification activities per ISO procedures, develop commodity strategies, monitor KPIs, and optimize costs, delivery,