Description

Job Title

Purchaser / Buyer

Location: Watertown, SD
Reports to: Plant Manager
Department: Operations / Manufacturing Support

Position Summary

The Purchasing / Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing materials, components, and services required to support daily manufacturing operations. This role ensures materials are available on time, at the right cost, and in the right quantities to keep production running safely and on schedule. The position works closely with manufacturing, engineering, and operations and plays a critical role in preventing material shortages and production disruptions.

This is a hands-on, individual contributor role that requires strong organization, follow-through, and clear communication with both internal teams and external suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Sourcing

• Issue purchase orders for raw materials, fabricated components, hardware, and indirect materials based on production demand and bills of material
• Source and qualify suppliers as needed while maintaining strong relationships with existing vendors
• Obtain and compare pricing, lead times, and availability to support production schedules
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and suitable material alternatives when appropriate

Production & Inventory Support

• Partner closely with the Plant Manager, manufacturing, and engineering teams to understand material needs and priorities
• Monitor open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery and resolve shortages or delays
• Support inventory management efforts, including reorder points and material availability
• Proactively identify risks that could lead to line-down situations and take corrective action

Supplier Coordination

• Communicate clearly with suppliers regarding order status, changes, and delivery expectations
• Resolve issues related to late deliveries, incorrect shipments, or quality concerns
• Maintain accurate vendor records and purchasing documentation

Systems & Process Support

• Maintain accurate purchasing data within ERP and purchasing systems
• Ensure purchase orders, confirmations, and invoices are properly documented and aligned
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to purchasing processes and supplier performance

Qualifications

Experience

• 310 years of experience in purchasing, buying, materials coordination, or manufacturing operations within a production environment
• Equivalent hands-on manufacturing or administrative experience will be considered for internal candidates with strong plant knowledge and demonstrated ownership

Required

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a production-driven setting
• Clear, professional communication skills with suppliers and internal teams
• Comfortable working with ERP systems, spreadsheets, and purchasing tools

Preferred

• Experience purchasing steel, fabricated components, or industrial materials
• Understanding of bills of material and production workflows
• Associate's degree or equivalent experience in supply chain, business, or manufacturing.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. #Acco

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