Technical Buyer

KEB America, Inc.; Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

KEB America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of industrial automation equipment based in Shakopee, MN. The Technical Buyer role focuses on sourcing, purchasing, and managing technical components to support manufacturing and business operations on site.

The ideal candidate will bring strong procurement expertise, supplier relationship management, and data analysis skills to ensure material availability, quality, and on-time delivery while driving continuous improvement in procurement processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 3+ years purchasing, procurement, or sourcing in manufacturing/technical environments.
• Experience buying technical or engineered products.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure technical components, raw materials, and services for operations.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing, lead times and quality performance.
• Develop supplier relationships and drive cost savings and delivery improvements.
• Analyze drawings, BOMs, and specs to support sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with Engineering on new product introductions and changes.
• Negotiate terms, contracts, and supply agreements to meet objectives.
• Monitor inventory and purchasing to ensure availability and control excess stock.
• Manage purchase orders from creation to receipt and resolve issues.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Relationship building

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Company Description

KEB America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of industrial automation products, including industrial PCs, HMIs, I/O modules, VFDs, servo and induction motors, integral gearmotors, and clutches and brakes. The company employs around 160 team members and provides full design, assembly, and manufacturing capabilities at its ISO 9001:2015 certified 150,000 sq. ft. facility in Shakopee, Minnesota. KEB America is part of KEB Automation KG, a global organization headquartered in Barntrup, Germany. With four production sites in Germany, the U.S., China, and Japan, along with 10 subsidiaries and over 30 sales and service centers worldwide, KEB offers a stable, international environment. Applicants can expect to join a collaborative team focused on innovation, quality, and customer-driven solutions in industrial automation.

Role Description

The Technical Buyer is a full-time, on-site role based in Shakopee, MN, responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing the supply of technical and engineered components, materials, and services required to support manufacturing and business operations. This role partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Suppliers to ensure material availability, cost competitiveness, quality standards, and on-time delivery while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong procurement expertise with technical aptitude, supplier relationship management skills, and the ability to analyze data to make informed purchasing decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure technical components, raw materials, assemblies, equipment, and services in support of operational requirements.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing, lead times, quality performance, and capacity to ensure reliable supply.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while driving cost savings, quality improvements, and delivery performance.
• Analyze engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical documentation to support sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with Engineering on new product introductions, design changes, and supplier selection.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, contracts, and supply agreements to achieve organizational objectives.
• Monitor inventory levels and purchasing activities to ensure material availability while minimizing excess inventory.
• Manage purchase orders from creation through receipt and resolve issues related to quality, delivery, invoicing, and supplier performance.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies to support business continuity.
• Maintain accurate supplier and purchasing data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement processes, spend management, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing, industrial, technical, or engineering environment.
• Experience purchasing technical or engineered products and components.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP a plus) and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, and BOMs.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Beneficial Qualifications To Have

• Experience with strategic sourcing, supplier development, and contract management.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting new product development or engineering change processes.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.
• Occasional visits to manufacturing, warehouse, or supplier facilities.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Why Join KEB?

• Collaborative and team-oriented culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Chance to make a direct impact on supply chain performance and business success.

We offer an excellent work-life balance and competitive salaries and benefits, including: