Job Summary/Overview
Reporting to the Materials Manager, the Buyer is responsible for the timely and strategic procurement of assigned commodities, ensuring alignment with cost, quality, and delivery requirements, as well as conformance to applicable specifications. This role plays a key part in supporting cross-functional project teams, collaborating closely with engineering, production, and quality departments to meet dynamic project timelines and evolving material needs. The Buyer is also responsible for maintaining strong vendor relationships to secure high-quality materials at competitive prices, ensuring on-time delivery to support both internal operations and customer commitments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborates with cross-functional teams to support project-based procurement ensuring alignment with engineering specifications, timelines, and budget constraints.
Reviews project requisitions and initiates timely ordering of materials based on project schedules and MRP demand signals.
Maintains ERP system data, including supplier lead times, part specifications, and inventory status, to ensure accurate planning and execution.
Sources and evaluates suppliers for technical capability, cost competitiveness, and delivery performance, with a focus on complex or custom-engineered components.
Prepares and analyzes RFQs, negotiates pricing and delivery terms, and awards contracts in accordance with project requirements and company policies.
Manages supplier communications to confirm availability, lead times, and delivery schedules, proactively addressing potential delays or risks.
Supports engineering change processes by managing phase-in/phase-out of components, ensuring minimal disruption to production and avoiding obsolete inventory buildup.
Monitors and maintains procurement records, including cost history, supplier performance, and quality issues, to support continuous improvement and traceability. Lead Quarterly Business Reviews with key suppliers.
Works closely with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve non-conformances and implement corrective actions for purchased materials.
Leads or participates in supplier development initiatives and continuous improvement projects to enhance supply chain efficiency and reliability.
Verifies specifications and nomenclature of purchase requests, ensuring alignment with technical drawings and BOMs.
Reviews and approves supplier invoices, ensuring consistency with purchase orders and negotiated terms.
Expedites critical or late orders to meet project milestones and customer commitments.
Supports international sourcing and negotiation efforts, considering total landed cost and compliance requirements.
Actively manages inventory lifecycle, including identifying at-risk or obsolete parts and coordinating disposition or replacement strategies.
Performs other related duties as assigned in support of project and organizational goals.
Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities
A team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and detailed oriented.
Reads and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Strong understanding of MRP (Material Requirements Planning) master data management, including lead times, safety stock, order policies, and procurement parameters, with the ability to develop and execute effective buying strategies that align with production and project demands.
Calculates figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra, geometry, and blueprint reading.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Understands and supports KPI's in daily work.
Experienced/proficient in Microsoft Applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
Demonstrated expertise in sourcing and procuring forged, cast, and precision-machined components, with a strong understanding of associated manufacturing processes, material specifications, and quality requirements.
Proven experience in sourcing and managing procurement of electronic components, control systems, and embedded hardware, including sensors, PLCs, HMIs, PCBs, connectors, and wiring harnesses.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment, managing multiple priorities and adapting quickly to shifting project demands and timelines.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
3+ years' related experience.
Experience working in an Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environment, with a strong understanding of custom product lifecycles, cross-functional collaboration, and the procurement of components based on evolving engineering specifications.
About Columbus McKinnon:
Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of intelligent motion solutions that move the world forward and improve lives by efficiently and ergonomically moving, lifting, positioning and securing materials. Key products include hoists, crane components, precision conveyor systems, rigging tools, light rail workstations and digital power and motion control systems. We are focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by our superior design and engineering know-how. Columbus McKinnon is a publicly traded company that has been in business for almost 150 years - proud of our heritage, where we come from, and where we're going. As Columbus McKinnon grows globally, so does our need for driven and inspired employees. Join our winning team!
Columbus McKinnon Corporation promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. We also value the safety of all associates and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.
Nearest Major Market: Waukesha
Nearest Secondary Market: Milwaukee
