Strategic Buyer & Supply Chain Lead

Phillips Tank & Structure; Columbia (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IT allowance

Company laptop

Paid time off

Job summary

Phillips Tank & Structure in Columbia, KY seeks a detail-oriented Buyer/Supply Chain Manager to oversee purchasing, vendor management, inventory control, and overall supply chain performance. The role supports production and project schedules in a fast-paced fabrication environment, requiring initiative and teamwork.

The ideal candidate will have 3–7 years’ purchasing or supply chain experience, strong negotiation and ERP/MRP skills, and a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, manufacturing or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.
• 3-7 years of Purchasing or Supply Chain experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word & Excel, ERP/MRP systems, internet software and email.
• Experience in a deadline-driven environment and exposure to lean manufacturing or production scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with vendors for raw materials, equipment, and services.
• Issue purchase orders and maintain accurate purchasing records.
• Monitor market trends, pricing, and lead times to ensure competitive sourcing.
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Manage material planning to meet production and project schedules.
• Coordinate with production, project management, and fabrication teams.
• Track shipments and resolve delays or supply issues proactively.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure optimal stock levels.
• Reduce excess inventory and minimize stockouts.
• Analyze purchasing trends and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Develop and improve procurement procedures.
• Implement systems to increase efficiency and visibility.
• Track KPIs such as supplier performance, on-time delivery and cost savings.
• Ensure the timely delivery of all materials.
• Assist in purchasing production materials such as steel, aluminum, hardware, and fabrication consumables.
• Create and manage purchase orders while verifying pricing, quantities, and delivery dates.
• Track open orders and follow up with suppliers to confirm commitments and prevent delays.
• Coordinate outside processing services including powder coating, machining, laser cutting, and plating.
• Maintain accurate data in ERP/MRP systems and organized procurement records.

Skills

Vendor negotiation

Purchasing

Inventory control

Supply chain management

Data analysis

ERP/MRP proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Phillips Tank & Structure in Columbia, KY seeks a detail-oriented Buyer/Supply Chain Manager to oversee purchasing, vendor management, inventory control, and overall supply chain performance. The role supports production and project schedules in a fast-paced fabrication environment, requiring initiative and teamwork.

The ideal candidate will have 3–7 years’ purchasing or supply chain experience, strong negotiation and ERP/MRP skills, and a collaborative mindset.