The Senior Manufacturing Buyer is responsible for sourcing, procuring, and managing suppliers for electrical components, materials, and industrial supplies that support manufacturing operations. This role works very closely with the Commodity Manager, supporting both strategic initiatives and daily tactical purchasing activities. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge of electrical components and materials, excellent supplier management skills, and a continuous improvement mindset. Industrial electrical knowledge is a strong plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Commodity Manager to support sourcing strategies, supplier performance management, and commodity-based planning.
• Perform daily tactical purchasing tasks: issuing purchase orders, expediting materials, managing shortages, and maintaining ERP data accuracy.
• Source and procure electrical components, wiring, connectors, control hardware, and other specialized materials for manufacturing and Panel Shop.
• Evaluate, qualify, and negotiate with suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and technical capability.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Planning, and Quality to ensure timely material availability and resolve component-related issues.
• Review engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications to support accurate component sourcing and alternates when needed.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives aimed at improving procurement efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing workflows.
• Monitor market trends, pricing, and lead times to mitigate risk and ensure competitive procurement.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, and item data in Infor LN and IQMS ERP systems.
• Support new product introductions (NPIs) through early supplier engagement and cost-effective component selection.

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–8+ years of procurement experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of electrical components, materials, and specifications.
• Industrial electrical system knowledge (e.g., control panels, PLCs, drives, power distribution, conveyors).
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Process improvement or continuous improvement experience (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, or APICS.
• Background in industrial equipment, automation, or material handling industries.
• Experience with Infor LN and/or IQMS ERP systems.
• Proven ability to negotiate and manage domestic and international suppliers.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

Core Competencies

• Strategic & tactical sourcing
• Supplier relationship management
• Technical understanding of electrical components
• ERP proficiency (Infor LN, IQMS)
• Cost reduction & value engineering
• Workflow and process improvement
• Analytical decision-making
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Risk mitigation & problem resolution

Travel Requirement: Approximately 20%, including supplier visits and industry events.

The base salary range for this role is $66,100 to $99,200. This base salary range represents the low and high end of the base salary range for this position. Actual base salary offered will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and performance.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.