Technical Buyer

KEB America, Inc.; Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

KEB America, Inc. in Shakopee, MN, is seeking a Technical Buyer to source components and materials that meet engineering and production requirements.

This on-site role manages purchasing workflows, creates and tracks purchase orders in ERP/MRP, evaluates suppliers, negotiates terms, and coordinates with engineering, production, and logistics to align material availability with project timelines. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential, with experience in

Qualifications

• Experience with purchasing processes and PO management.
• Strong supplier negotiation and contract skills.
• Ability to evaluate supplier quality and total cost of ownership.
• Technical understanding of industrial automation components.
• Analytical, organized, detail-oriented with multitasking.
• Excellent written and spoken communication; cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in manufacturing purchasing; ISO familiarity preferred.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure components meeting requirements.
• Create and track purchase orders in ERP/MRP.
• Coordinate with suppliers for on-time delivery and pricing.
• Evaluate suppliers for quality and cost.
• Support contract negotiations and terms.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, logistics.
• Maintain procurement records and monitor market trends.

Skills

Purchasing processes

Purchase orders

Negotiation

Supplier evaluation

Technical aptitude

Analytical skills

Communication

ISO familiarity

Manufacturing purchasing

Education

Degree in supply chain/business/engineering

Related field experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Company Description

KEB America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of industrial automation products, including industrial PCs, HMIs, I/O modules, VFDs, motors, gearmotors, and clutches and brakes. The company employs approximately 125 people and provides full design, assembly, and manufacturing 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. The broader KEB group operates four production sites across Germany, the U.S., China, and Japan, supported by multiple subsidiaries, sales, and service centers worldwide. Team members benefit from working within a stable, international company focused on quality, innovation, and customer service in industrial automation.

Role Description

The Technical Buyer is a full-time, on-site role based in Shakopee, MN, responsible for sourcing and procuring components and materials that meet engineering and production requirements. Day-to-day tasks include managing purchasing processes, creating and tracking purchase orders, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and optimal pricing. This role involves evaluating suppliers for quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, as well as participating in purchasing and contract negotiations to secure favorable terms. The Technical Buyer collaborates closely with engineering, production, and logistics teams to align material availability with project timelines and inventory goals. The position also includes maintaining accurate procurement records, monitoring market trends, and contributing to continuous improvement of purchasing practices and supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess skills in Purchasing Processes and Purchase Orders, including requisition handling, order creation, and tracking within ERP or MRP systems.
• Candidates should possess skills in Purchasing Negotiation and Contract Negotiation to secure competitive pricing, lead times, and terms while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Candidates should possess skills in Supplier Evaluation, including assessment of quality, delivery performance, compliance, and total cost of ownership.
• Relevant technical aptitude to understand industrial automation components, drawings, and specifications, and to communicate effectively with engineering and production teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams.
• Experience in industrial or manufacturing purchasing is preferred; familiarity with ISO-certified environments is beneficial.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and purchasing experience.