Strategic Material Buyer & Procurement Pro

Vaco by Highspring; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a driven Material Buyer / Procurement Specialist in Hoover, AL. You will support purchasing and logistics, develop supplier relationships, and negotiate pricing to improve cost management and profitability.

Responsibilities include coordinating orders, monitoring inventory, evaluating freight costs, and tracking shipments while partnering with leadership. The role may require occasional travel to suppliers and trade events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, logistics, finance, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, logistics, or supply chain operations preferred.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and evaluating pricing, freight costs, or material costs is a plus.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Analytical mindset with ability to evaluate market conditions, pricing trends, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Strong negotiation, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to build productive relationships with suppliers, transportation partners, and internal leadership.
• Financial acumen and understanding of pricing structures, cost analysis, and profitability.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for supplier visits and industry events.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify qualified suppliers of raw materials and recyclable commodities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers through communication, collaboration, and negotiation.
• Negotiate competitive pricing based on market conditions, material quality, freight costs, and margin objectives.
• Coordinate orders and communicate order status with management and purchasing team.
• Monitor raw material inventory, order backlogs, and incoming shipments to improve supply availability.
• Evaluate freight costs with suppliers and transportation partners, develop efficient shipping strategies.
• Track orders and shipments to ensure timely delivery and resolve delays.
• Analyze commodity market trends, pricing indicators, and industry developments.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and improve purchasing efficiency and profitability.
• Address nonconforming materials and coordinate supplier resolutions.
• Maintain purchasing records, supplier info, pricing data, and order documentation.
• Provide regular updates to management on supplier activity and market changes.
• Travel occasionally for supplier visits and industry events.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, logistics, finance, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a driven Material Buyer / Procurement Specialist in Hoover, AL. You will support purchasing and logistics, develop supplier relationships, and negotiate pricing to improve cost management and profitability.

Responsibilities include coordinating orders, monitoring inventory, evaluating freight costs, and tracking shipments while partnering with leadership. The role may require occasional travel to suppliers and trade events.