Strategic Buyer: Materials & Supplier Partnerships

Production Saw and Machine; Clarklake (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match after 1st yr

Paid time off and holidays

Company-paid life insurance

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Production Saw and Machine in Clarklake, MI seeks a Buyer to research materials and outside services, build strong supplier partnerships, and own purchasing from request through delivery. You'll work with Estimating and cross-functional teams to secure materials at fair prices with quality and on-time delivery.

The role emphasizes cost-conscious sourcing, supplier management, and continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include evaluating quotes, negotiating terms, managing POs, and

Qualifications

• Experience in buying, purchasing, procurement, or a related role with direct responsibility for supplier quotes, purchase orders, and purchasing follow-through.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing materials and processes, with the curiosity to research unfamiliar requirements and the judgment to ask questions before ordering.
• Ability to compare supplier options beyond price and negotiate effectively while building productive, lasting relationships.
• Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple requests, maintain accurate records, and follow through on deadlines.
• A demonstrated ability to take ownership, solve problems independently, and communicate effectively with suppliers and employees across departments.
• Confidence using computer applications and learning purchasing systems.
• Manufacturing buying experience and ERP experience—particularly Epicor Kinetic—are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support accurate customer estimates by researching materials and outside processes, finding qualified suppliers, and obtaining timely quotes that clearly communicate costs, specifications, and lead times.
• Own purchasing from request through delivery for steel, metals, outside processing, equipment, and other assigned purchases. Confirm requirements, place orders, and resolve delays or discrepancies.
• Build dependable supplier partnerships and negotiate fair, competitive terms that balance price, quality, delivery, service, and long-term value.
• Oversee our industrial tooling supplier relationship, reviewing spending, stock levels, and replenishment needs with the supplier and production teams to identify practical improvements.
• Coordinate company purchasing and recurring expenses, including Amazon Business, Uline, and Ramp dues and subscriptions, ensuring appropriate approvals and reviewing renewal commitments.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data in Manufacturing ERP System (Epicor Kinetic), including part numbers, supplier records, purchase orders, and expense account assignments, working with Accounting as needed.
• Improve how we buy by collaborating with employees across the office and manufacturing floor to clarify needs, strengthen purchasing practices, reduce unnecessary spending, and document savings.

Skills

Supplier quotes

PO management

Materials knowledge

Research skills

Negotiation

Organization

Ownership

Tools

Epicor Kinetic

Job description

Production Saw and Machine in Clarklake, MI seeks a Buyer to research materials and outside services, build strong supplier partnerships, and own purchasing from request through delivery. You'll work with Estimating and cross-functional teams to secure materials at fair prices with quality and on-time delivery.

The role emphasizes cost-conscious sourcing, supplier management, and continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include evaluating quotes, negotiating terms, managing POs, and