We are seeking an highly experienced and detail-oriented Buyer to join our procurement team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing procurement activities, sourcing and qualifying suppliers, negotiating contracts, and purchasing materials, equipment, and services to support production and operations. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in purchasing, excellent negotiation and communication skills, and a proven track record of achieving cost savings while maintaining high quality standards.
To apply, email resume to hr@upwingenergy.com.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Prepare and process purchase orders, ensure orders are processed promptly and accurately. Track orders and resolve any issues related to late delivery, quality or pricing. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of purchases, contracts and supplier information. Update and maintain vendor’s lead time, pricing and minimum order quantity in Global Shop.
- Develop and implement strategic sourcing and procurement strategies to optimize supplier selection, drive cost savings and ensure alignment with production and business goals.
- Identify, evaluate and qualify suppliers through audits, assessments and performance reviews, while maintaining and updating the approved vendor list.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing and lead time to achieve the best value for the company and establish long-term supplier partnerships.
- Manage the full procurement process from RFQ to purchase order issuance, invoice resolution and order tracking, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, logistics, quality and finance to align on requirements and support seamless procurement operations.
- Monitor and manage inventory levels in coordination with production planning to meet schedules and avoid shortages.
- Evaluate pricing data and cost drivers to identify opportunities for cost reduction, value enhancement and continuous improvement.
- Monitor and report supplier performance metrics—including on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness and compliance—and proactively resolve issues or disruptions.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, onboard new vendors and ensure vendor data (lead times, pricing, minimum order quantities) is up to date.
- Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, focus on key priorities and maintain strong planning to meet immediate, short-term and long-term deadlines.
Skills, Experience, Education, and Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain, operations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3–5 years of procurement experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably with complex, high-precision machined parts and electromechanical assemblies (experience in turbomachinery and/or high-speed motor/generator production is a plus).
- Strong understanding of Material Resource Planning (MRP), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and procurement software.
- Proven negotiation skills with the ability to secure best value while building and maintaining effective supplier relationships.
- Knowledge of traceability and configuration management control to ensure compliance with customer documentation requirements.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- High attention to detail with strong organizational skills to ensure specifications, quality standards and deadlines are consistently met.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong planning, time management and follow-up skills.
- Self-motivated with a high degree of independent judgment and minimal need for supervisory guidance.
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with industry, manufacturing and commodity trends
- Experience with accounting is a plus
- APICS certification a plus
Intangibles Sought:
- Must be self-motivated and an independent worker.
- Detail oriented with a sense of urgency on assigned tasks.
- Decisive and able to grasp new concepts quickly.
- Versatility - capable of strategic thinking while executing near term goals and objectives.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. using proper lifting techniques. Personal protective equipment may be required in some warehouse areas. Position duties will primarily be indoors with occasional travel to nearby suppliers.
Other:
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned, by their supervisor. Management reserves the right to change, rescind, add or delete the duties and responsibilities of positions within this job classification at any time.
Upwing Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation and benefits and also states that retaliation against any employee who files a complaint regarding possible violations of this