Strategic Buyer & Supply Chain Lead

phillipstankandstructure; Columbia (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IT allowance $35 per month

Company laptop

Paid time off

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Phillips Tank & Structure in Columbia, KY is seeking a proactive Buyer/Supply Chain Manager to oversee purchasing, vendor management, inventory control, and overall supply chain performance. The role requires a hands-on, collaborative self-starter with a strong work ethic to support production and project schedules.

The ideal candidate will manage material planning, negotiate with suppliers, and drive cost-saving initiatives in a fast-paced fabrication environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in SCM, business, manufacturing or related field preferred.
• 3-7 years of Purchasing or Supply Chain experience.
• Proficiency with Word & Excel, ERP/MRP systems, internet software and email.
• Experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, quality control 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.
• Understand project budget and communicate any anticipated or actual cost overruns to the Project Management Group.
• Additional assignments may include shop support, yard maintenance, housekeeping, and other general operational tasks as needed.

Skills

Vendor management

Purchasing

Inventory planning

ERP/MRP

Excel

Lean manufacturing

Teamwork

Communication

MS Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, manufacturing or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP software

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Phillips Tank & Structure in Columbia, KY is seeking a proactive Buyer/Supply Chain Manager to oversee purchasing, vendor management, inventory control, and overall supply chain performance. The role requires a hands-on, collaborative self-starter with a strong work ethic to support production and project schedules.

The ideal candidate will manage material planning, negotiate with suppliers, and drive cost-saving initiatives in a fast-paced fabrication environment.