Job Description

Position Overview: 

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing materials, negotiating with suppliers, managing purchase orders, and supporting procurement activities to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods for our manufacturing operations. This role involves collaborating with operations, accounting, and suppliers in a multi-plant environment. The ideal candidate has procurement experience in manufacturing, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and thrives in a fast-paced team setting while also working independently

Essential Job Functions: 

• Process and issue purchase orders, change orders, and related documentation.
• Prepare and distribute RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs to suppliers; evaluate and coordinate responses.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to optimize costs and quality.
• Support invoice reconciliation, discrepancy resolution, and payment processes with Accounting.
• Coordinate product deliveries to EMI locations and resolve any shipping, customs, or logistics issues.
• Maintain accurate records and data in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for purchasing and inventory.
• Monitor supplier performance, resolve order issues, and facilitate communication between departments and vendors.
• Assist with inventory data collection, reconciliation, and material planning.
• Prepare weekly and monthly procurement reports, including spend analysis and market research.
• Conduct price checks, market research, and supplier evaluations to support sourcing decisions.
• Perform other duties as required to support business needs.

Minimum Qualifications: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Knowledge of production planning, procurement processes, and purchase order management in a manufacturing environment.
• Procurement or buying experience, preferably in a multi-plant or manufacturing setting.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to calculate and interpret data such as percent differences, ratios, averages, weighted averages, and basic statistical measures.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in ERP systems for purchasing functions (training provided if needed).
• Advanced computer skills, including Excel (formulas, VLOOKUP, pivot tables, charts/graphs), Word, PowerPoint, and internet research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to negotiate, persuade, and influence stakeholders.

Education and/or Experience: 

• Degree or equivalent training in a relevant field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience in shipping, logistics, or warehouse operations preferred.
• Experience in the retail fixtures, millwork, food service equipment, convenience store, or manufacturing industries is considered an asset.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The position involves frequent standing, walking, and use of hands to handle or operate equipment. The employee may regularly lift/carry objects up to 25-50 pounds with or without assistance during loading, inspection, or material handling activities. The employee is also required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch as needed. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Minimal travel may be required for training, inter-site support, or customer-related visits as needed.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The primary working conditions are those of a manufacturing and warehouse environment. The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, dust, particles from wood and metal fabrication, varying temperatures, and noise levels typical of production and shipping facilities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, and hard hats is required in designated areas

EMI Industries, an LSI company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Pay may be based on location. Offers will be adjusted based on an individual’s experience, education, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. This description does not alter the at-will status of employment