Buyer I

POSITION PURPOSE:  The Buyer I is responsible for procuring finished goods and raw materials from global suppliers to support uninterrupted manufacturing and customer demand. This role manages purchasing activities including MRP review, purchase order execution, supplier communication, delivery expediting, and performance monitoring. The Buyer I collaborates with Transportation, Production Control, Accounts Payable, Quality, and Strategic Sourcing to optimize inventory, improve supplier performance, and support operational objectives.

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Procure finished goods and raw materials through established suppliers, with a primary focus on Asia
• Execute MRP recommendations, including Purchase Order (PO) creation, confirmations, and rescheduling
• Monitor and expedite Purchase Orders (POs) to ensure timely delivery and uninterrupted material supply.
• Coordinate with Global Sourcing and Transportation to support supplier performance and shipment execution
• Share forecasts with suppliers to support production planning and inventory management
• Maintain accurate purchasing and material master data within SAP
• Partner closely with Transportation to ensure timely deliveries to manufacturing facilities and customers
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies and ensure timely supplier payments
• Manage supplier quality issues through Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and Corrective Action Requests (CARs) to minimize supply disruptions
• Support supplier performance reviews, scorecards, and business review meetings.
• Assist with supplier scorecards, Business Review Meetings (BRMs), and supplier performance evaluations
• Track purchasing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), support cost savings initiatives, and drive continuous improvement efforts
• Provide purchasing support for special projects, business initiatives, and team activities
• Serve as backup support for other purchasing team members and perform other duties as assigned

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred
• 1–3 years of purchasing, procurement, buying, or supply chain experience
• Manufacturing experience preferred; global sourcing experience a plus
• SAP experience preferred
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency
• Knowledge of purchasing, inventory management, MRP, and supply chain principles
• Ability to analyze MRP recommendations and manage purchase orders
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• High attention to detail and data accuracy
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proven ability to build relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams
• Customer-focused with a proactive approach to issue resolution
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process optimization and operational excellence

This opportunity offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness benefits
• Company-matching 401(k) plan
• Company-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment benefits
• Company-paid identity theft insurance
• Company-paid disability
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Company-paid employee assistance program
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Additional benefits included: voluntary life insurance, legal benefits, critical illness, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and pet insurance

Old World Industries is among the largest privately held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket today. Built upon a 50-year history of ingenuity, the Northbrook, Illinois-based company is transforming the automotive, commercial and chemical industries that keep the world moving forward. Old World’s brands include a full line of PEAK® Performance Automotive Aftermarket Products including Antifreeze/Coolant, Washer Fluid, Lighting and Wiper Blades; BlueDEF® Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Equipment; FINAL CHARGE® PRO-SERIES Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolant, Fleet Charge® SCA Precharged Heavy Duty Coolant and Thermal Charge® Heat Transfer Fluid.