Title: Buyer / Purchasing Specialist
Location: Chillicothe, IL
Details: 24-month contract with ongoing need, opportunity for direct hire, fully onsite role
Pay Rate: $40.00 – 43.50/hr. with benefit inclusions
Job Summary
Seeking an experienced Procurement Buyer to support sourcing, supplier management, and procurement project activities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role will partner closely with procurement, engineering, supply chain, and business teams to execute sourcing initiatives, analyze supplier performance, support negotiations, and drive cost, quality, and delivery improvements. The position offers significant exposure to cross-functional teams and new product introduction programs, with opportunities to take ownership of procurement projects as experience and expertise grow.
Responsibilities
- Support sourcing and procurement activities, including issuing and tracking Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and coordinating supplier communications.
- Perform quote analysis and provide data-driven recommendations to support sourcing decisions.
- Assist with supplier negotiations focused on cost, quality, delivery, and overall value.
- Track and report procurement performance metrics, including supplier quality, delivery, and cost performance indicators.
- Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing procurement and supplier performance.
- Resolve supplier transaction discrepancies and work collaboratively to address operational challenges.
- Partner with procurement, engineering, supply chain, and business stakeholders to support ongoing projects and strategic initiatives.
- Provide project support for new product introduction (NPI) programs and supplier readiness activities.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier and internal stakeholder relationships.
- Prepare presentations, reports, and business communications for team members and leadership.
- Progressively assume ownership of procurement projects and sourcing initiatives as proficiency in the role increases.
Years of Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of professional experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, sourcing, or a related field; OR
- Associate degree and 12+ years of relevant experience; OR
- Master’s degree and 8+ years of relevant experience.
- Internship experience may be considered as part of overall qualifying experience.
- Experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain analysis, sourcing, or related functions is highly preferred.
Skills Required
- Data analytics and business acumen.
- Fact-based negotiation and supplier management.
- Project execution and project coordination.
- Procurement and sourcing processes.
- RFQ management and quote analysis.
- Cost, quality, and delivery performance management.
- Supplier relationship management.
- Continuous improvement and metrics-driven decision making.
- Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Excel, and SharePoint.
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