Job Description
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE:
Buyer Level III
Reports To:
Purchasing Manager
Supervises
: N/A
**Job Summary
**
The Level 3 Buyer is responsible for independently managing the procurement of goods, materials, and services required to support business and production needs. This position requires strong negotiation skills, market knowledge, and the ability to evaluate supplier performance and drive cost savings initiatives. The Buyer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams—including engineering, operations, finance, and quality—to ensure sourcing decisions align with organizational objectives. As an experienced procurement professional, the Level 3 Buyer handles complex purchasing activities with minimal supervision and contributes to the development of long-term supplier relationships and sourcing strategies.
**ACCOUNTABILITIES/ SCOPE
**
***Interfaces: ***Manager, peers, manufacturing personnel, engineers.
***People Managed: *None
***Decisions: *Incumbent is empowered to make certain decisions following prescribed purchasing procedures.
Impact of Error:Impact on incoming purchased material, the design, production and service processes and the ability to deliver product to the customer.
**
**
**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
**
- Manage the procurement of direct and indirect materials, components, and services to meet production and business needs.
- Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and cost structures to ensure competitive sourcing decisions.
- Maintain compliance with company policies, quality standards, and applicable regulations in all purchasing activities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to support long-term sourcing strategies and resolve performance issues.
- Monitor supplier performance, including on-time delivery, quality, and cost targets, and initiate corrective actions as needed.
- Collaborate with engineering, operations, finance, and quality teams to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with business objectives.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and value engineering.
- Manage purchase orders from creation through delivery, including changes, expediting, and resolving discrepancies.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior buyers or procurement staff as needed.
- Prepare and maintain accurate purchasing records, reports, and metrics to support management decision-making.
**KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS
**
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Strong knowledge of the supplier base.
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Strong spreadsheet skills.
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Knowledge of manufacturer’s process for understanding alternative components.
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Knowledge of manufacturing practices.
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Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal.
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Good interpersonal skills.
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Ability to use computerized systems (Digi-key Quote Tools)
**EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE
**
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- 4–6 years of progressive purchasing or supply chain experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Proven track record in supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost savings initiatives.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CPM, CPSM, CPIM) are a plus.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
You should be proficient in:
- Supplier Management
- Commodity Purchasing Experience
- Sourcing and Procurement Experience
- Supplier Negotiation Experience