Sr. Buyer
The Senior Buyer is responsible for the strategic and tactical procurement of saleable goods, operating supplies, and indirect materials. This role partners closely with Sales, Operations, Finance, and Quality to ensure product availability, optimize inventory levels, strengthen supplier performance, and improve purchasing processes. The Senior Buyer plays a key role in driving cost control, service levels, and supply chain efficiency in a fast-paced distribution environment.
Responsibilities
- Purchasing & Inventory Management
- Own end-to-end purchasing for assigned product categories, including PO creation, maintenance, and follow-through in the ERP system
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms with suppliers
- Manage inventory levels to align with demand, service levels, and cash flow targets
- Actively reduce surplus and obsolete inventory through stocking policies and demand alignment
- Support Sales with pricing inputs and delivery commitments
- Resolve invoice discrepancies and purchasing-related issues with Finance
- Expedite critical orders and manage shortages to protect customer service Supplier & Vendor Management
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to improve cost, quality, and delivery
- Identify and onboard new suppliers as needed
- Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and corrective action follow-up
- Collaborate with suppliers on forecasting and demand planning
- Monitor supplier compliance with quality, regulatory, and delivery expectations Process Improvement & Systems
- Drive continuous improvement in purchasing workflows, reporting, and data quality
- Partner with Supply Chain leadership on ERP optimization to improve fill rates and inventory visibility
- Support automation and digitization initiatives across purchasing and supply chain
- Contribute to process standardization and documentation Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Sales, Warehouse, Quality, and Finance to ensure smooth material flow
- Provide backup support to other Purchasing team members as needed
- Promote a positive, collaborative team environment
Desired Skills and Experience
- Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field
- 5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain within a distribution or manufacturing environment
- Experience managing inventory in a high-SKU, fast-moving environment preferred Knowledge & Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of MRP concepts, ERP systems, and inventory planning
- Advanced Excel skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Working knowledge of vendor negotiations, cost analysis, and inventory performance metrics
- Understanding of regulatory and compliance considerations impacting procurement Professional Skills
- Strong negotiation and vendor relationship management skills
- Analytical mindset with comfort working with financial ratios and business metrics
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- High attention to detail with strong follow-through
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
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ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
Practice Areas
Our practice areas are led by highly experienced executive recruiters who take great care in fully understanding client requirements and candidate qualifications.
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology
• Operations
• Engineering
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Construction
• Supply Chain
• Consumer Package Goods (CPG)
Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
