Position Summary

The MRO Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing indirect materials, maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies, equipment, and services necessary to support Kinze's manufacturing operations. This position manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and purchasing terms, and ensures the timely availability of materials and services to support facility maintenance and operational needs. The Buyer serves as a liaison between Maintenance, Manufacturing, and other departments to identify purchasing requirements, resolve supply issues, and implement cost-effective procurement solutions. Must maintain a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to build strong supplier and internal relationships.

 

General Duties

• Maintain supplier and part-specific data in the MRP/ERP system
• Generate requisitions and purchase orders in the system
• Manage releases and follow up on deliveries in a timely manner
• Resolve shipping and invoicing discrepancies to ensure proper A/P execution
• Obtain necessary authorizations and approvals per procurement procedures
• Read, comprehend, and communicate information relating to material specifications
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with internal customers and suppliers
• Investigate new and improved sources of goods and services
• Support continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide general administrative support, including forms, product/repair returns coordination, and electronic requisition processes
• Independently select and vet potential suppliers for specific commodities and products
• Negotiate price, terms, quality, and quantities with suppliers
• Manage supplier relationships, including rewarding or penalizing suppliers for good performance, infractions, and non-compliance
• Identify and realize cost savings using constructive negotiation techniques and sourcing decisions
• Study market prices and trends, industry developments, and manufacturing method improvements applicable to assigned responsibilities
• Evaluate supplier reliability and performance
• Ensure suppliers follow relevant environmental and safety regulations and act in compliance with regulatory agencies
• Resolve accounting and supplier issues and concerns
• Negotiate agreements, including long-term agreements, for critical materials and services
• Design and implement forms and processes to increase department ordering efficiency and accuracy
• All other duties as assigned

 

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; four-year degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field preferred
• 2–3+ years of related purchasing/procurement experience
• Purchasing experience within a manufacturing environment preferred
• Basic knowledge of the materials, equipment, and services required to run a manufacturing facility
• Knowledge of MRP/ERP software required; Fourth Shift experience a plus
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Proficient computer navigation skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office, and MRP/ERP systems
• Ability to conform to shifting priorities, requirements, and timelines
• International shipping and/or agriculture industry experience a plus

 

Working Conditions

Environment:

• Standing, walking, and sitting at a workstation for extended periods of time
• Performing tasks with computers for extended periods of time
• Walking up to ½ mile multiple times per day to perform tasks
• Wearing appropriate PPE and following safety procedures on the manufacturing plant floor
• Spending time in varying, non-climate-controlled manufacturing environments depending on season and area of the plant

Working Time:

• Position may require additional night or weekend work, including during shutdown hours and holidays, to complete job duties and special projects
• Must be available to support multiple shift operations

Travel:

• Requires minimal travel with very few overnight stays

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kinze provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.