Buyer

McKenzie Valve & Machining

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway- you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.

The Buyer is responsible for end-to-end procurement activities supporting a manufacturing operation, including sourcing and purchasing production materials, maintenance supplies, services, and contracts while ensuring the best combination of cost, quality, delivery, and supplier performance. The position leverages Lean and ERP-driven purchasing practices, manages supplier inventory programs and planning parameters, negotiates with global vendors, tracks procurement metrics, and works cross-functionally to ensure materials are available to meet production requirements.

Primary responsibilities and/or essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities for production materials, maintenance supplies, consumables, office supplies, bottled gases, and contracted services.
• Source, quote, negotiate, and purchase materials including castings, plate, bar stock, valve components, and other manufacturing-related items.
• Forecast, source, schedule, expedite, and monitor material requirements to support production schedules and operational needs.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, quality, delivery terms, service agreements, and maintenance contracts to achieve the lowest total cost.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and global suppliers to ensure reliable performance and preferred supplier status.
• Review bills of material, Kanban cards, requisitions, and purchasing requests for accuracy and authorization.
• Issue purchase orders, blanket orders, and contracts while maintaining compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures.
• Process supplier claims related to defective materials and resolve vendor performance issues.
• Support Lean supply chain initiatives, including Kanban, Visible Pull Systems, Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), and Consignment inventory programs.
• Utilize ERP systems to manage purchasing activities, planning parameters, inventory levels, supplier performance, and procurement data.
• Prepare and maintain purchasing records, pricing files, supplier information, and procurement metrics reports.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Production Control, Inventory Control, Accounting, Shipping, Receiving, and Maintenance teams to ensure business objectives are met.
• Support quality improvement initiatives, Responsible Care programs, and continuous improvement activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, operations, or related field OR High School Diploma/GED with 5+ years of industrial purchasing experience.
• 3-5 years of purchasing, procurement, or buyer experience in an industrial environment.
• Experience with ERP-driven purchasing systems and computerized procurement processes.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable pricing, quality, and delivery terms.
• Ability to analyze material requirements, bills of material, and purchasing data.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with suppliers, management, and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and purchasing-related computer systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of manufacturing industry experience.
• Experience purchasing materials for valve, machining, metal fabrication, or industrial manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and inventory management principles, including Kanban, VMI, Consignment, and pull systems.
• Experience managing supplier inventory programs and planning parameters.
• Experience with procurement metrics reporting and supplier performance tracking.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven experience sourcing from global suppliers and managing international vendor relationships.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Reports directly to the Operations Manager, McKenzie Valve & Machining.
• On-site work arrangement: 5 days per week in the McKenzie, Tennessee Facility
• Primarily works in an office environment within a manufacturing facility with regular interaction on the production floor.
• Frequent communication with internal departments including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Accounting, Production Control, Inventory Control, Shipping, Receiving, and Maintenance.
• Regular interaction with suppliers and service providers located both domestically and internationally.
• Must comply with all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 15% to support supplier visits, business meetings, and operational needs.