Buyer

Job Summary - Mission

We’re seeking a strategic and detail-oriented professional with a passion for driving efficient purchasing processes and building strong supplier partnerships. In this role, you’ll take ownership of procurement activities for your assigned categories—ensuring product quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery. You’ll work cross-functionally with teams like Operations, Engineering, and Field Services to align supply strategies with business goals. 

This hybrid role is based in Chicago, IL, with occasional travel to our operations facilities and supplier sites.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Execution & Supplier Engagement

• Lead the purchasing process for direct and indirect materials and services—issuing purchase requisitions, securing competitive quotes, and evaluating costs, lead times, and delivery requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with key suppliers, managing expectations, performance, and capacity planning to ensure reliable and responsive supply.

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Optimization

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements, and support the implementation of sourcing strategies that balance quality, efficiency, and long-term value.
• Contribute to supplier development efforts, including the evaluation and onboarding of new partners.

Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work closely with internal stakeholders across Operations, Engineering, and Field Services to understand purchasing needs and ensure alignment with production and project timelines.

Data Accuracy & System Integrity - Maintain accurate and up-to-date purchase order data in SAP, including supplier information, pricing, delivery dates, and item-specific details like safety stock and lead times.

Analytics & Continuous Improvement - Monitor key supplier metrics and performance indicators, using insights to drive continuous improvement and support broader procurement goals.

Issue Resolution & Logistics Support - Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to invoice discrepancies, non-conforming materials, or logistics challenges to keep operations running smoothly.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's Degree in a business-related field.
• Minimum four years of experience in domestic and offshore direct and indirect purchasing, including raw materials, MRO, supplies, and services.
• Expertise in negotiation, consistently achieving optimal outcomes for cost, quality, and shipping requirements.
• Proficient in Operations/Business System software with the ability to analyze data to meet business needs.
• In-depth knowledge of global market conditions, cost drivers, and demand management/replenishment principles (e.g., Kanban) highly preferred
• General market knowledge/market conditions and dynamics.
• Strong project management skills with a proven track record of completing objectives on schedule and achieving results.
• PowerBI and SAP experience is a plus.
• Willingness to travel domestically as required.

Work Environment

Primarily office-based with occasional travel required with a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office and 2 days remote).

Interview Process

We believe in a transparent hiring process that values everyone’s time and engagement. Candidates should expect the hiring process to follow the order below. At any point in the process, candidates may be declined.

• Selected candidates who have completed the application will be invited to schedule a 30-minute screening call with of our talented Recruiters.
• Next, candidates will be scheduled for a Teams interview with the Purchasing Manager and the HRBP of the area.
• Finally, candidates will be scheduled for an in-person interview with the Purchasing Manager and the VP of Finance.