Strategic Plant Materials Buyer & Scheduler

Pivotal Talent Search Inc.; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Pivotal Talent Search Inc. is seeking a Buyer to own material sourcing, scheduling decisions and supplier performance within defined plant parameters. The role balances cost, risk and production continuity while coordinating with multiple departments to ensure timely materials and compliance with specifications.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years in Materials Management, plus Lean experience. Strong negotiation, data accuracy and MS Office skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 5-7 years in Materials Management (Purchasing or Production Planning).
• 2+ years of Lean experience.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office to update documents, forms, charts, graphs, and procedures.
• Proficient problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work under stress.
• Good housekeeping aligned with 5S.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Technical aptitude with willingness to learn; familiarity with HPS Micron products and production processes.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Ability to read, interpret and update technical documents.
• Organization and planning skills with electronic records retrieval.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Capable of prioritizing multiple projects to completion.

Responsibilities

• Independently sources strategic and non-strategic commodities aligning with plant requirements and cost objectives.
• Evaluates supplier quotations based on total cost of ownership.
• Leads day-to-day commercial negotiations within defined authority.
• Owns sourcing decisions and supplier selection rationale.
• Monitors market conditions, material availability and supplier capacity; adjusts strategies.
• Mitigates supply risk via alternate sourcing, expediting, or escalation.
• Owns disposition decisions for excess/obsolete materials balancing financial impact and operations.
• Serves as materials lead on cross-functional projects; defines scope, timelines and deliverables.
• Accounts for delivery of materials-related project outcomes including cost and readiness.
• Summarizes project activities and escalates issues when needed.
• Provides supplier forecasts to support capacity alignment.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

English proficiency

MS Office

Lean experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Pivotal Talent Search Inc. is seeking a Buyer to own material sourcing, scheduling decisions and supplier performance within defined plant parameters. The role balances cost, risk and production continuity while coordinating with multiple departments to ensure timely materials and compliance with specifications.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years in Materials Management, plus Lean experience. Strong negotiation, data accuracy and MS Office skills are essential for success.