Buyer - Mechanical & Engineering-Chemaid Maintenance Salaried Indirect

Position: Buyer - Mechanical & Engineering

Department: Engineer

Reports to: Director of Engineering

Reporting to this position: No direct reports

Basic Functions 

The Buyer - Mechanical & Engineering representative is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing inventory of machine parts, maintenance materials, engineering supplies, and related services to support manufacturing operations. This position works closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Compounding and suppliers to ensure timely procurement of high-quality materials that minimize equipment downtime and support operational efficiency.

Responsibilities: 

• Source and purchase mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic components for manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Procure spare parts, maintenance supplies, tooling, and engineering-related materials to support plant operations.
• Review purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders in accordance with company policies and budgets.
• Identify and evaluate suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery performance, and technical capabilities.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and terms with vendors to achieve cost savings and optimal value.
• Monitor inventory levels of critical spare parts and recommend stocking strategies to prevent production downtime.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier databases, and procurement documentation.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Maintenance teams to understand equipment requirements and technical specifications.
• Expedite urgent orders and resolve issues related to delayed shipments, shortages, or non-conforming materials.
• Support preventive maintenance initiatives by ensuring necessary replacement parts are available when needed.
• Analyze purchasing trends and identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Participate in supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills & Abilities 

• Strong understanding of mechanical and engineering components.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, technical specifications, and engineering drawings.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound purchasing decisions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience sourcing machine parts, industrial components, maintenance supplies, and engineering-related materials.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and mechanical systems.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and procurement software.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand for prolonged periods of time (up to or in excess of one hour); walk; sit; use hands to handle and feel objects and controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. Employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 55-gallon drums. Specific vision abilities required by job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This position is classified exempt.

Competitive Benefits Package

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Performance-Based Annual Bonus

Eligibility and benefit offerings may vary based on employment status and company policy.