Buyer

Position Summary

The Buyer owns day-to-day purchasing for panel production: converting engineering bills of material into purchase orders, managing supplier relationships and lead times, and ensuring materials arrive on schedule and to specification. This role is the link between engineering, production, and our supplier base, and directly affects our ability to hit contractual delivery dates on utility and renewable energy projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Review project BOMs and generate purchase orders for electrical components, enclosures, wire and cable, hardware, and consumables
• Solicit and evaluate supplier quotes; negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery on both project buys and stock replenishment
• Track open purchase orders, confirm delivery dates, and proactively expedite long-lead items (protective relays, enclosures, specialty devices) to protect production schedules
• Communicate material status to project management and production, flagging risks to job schedules early
• Identify, qualify, and develop alternate suppliers to reduce cost, lead time, and single-source risk
• Coordinate with receiving to resolve discrepancies (shortages, damage, wrong parts) and process RMAs
• Verify purchased components meet specifications, including UL recognition/listing requirements where applicable
• Maintain accurate part, pricing, and supplier data in the ERP/purchasing system
• Monitor inventory of common stock items and set/maintain reorder points
• Support cost estimating by providing current pricing and lead-time data for quotes and proposals
• Ensure purchasing documentation supports quality system (QMS) and customer audit requirements

Qualifications

Required

• 2+ years of purchasing/buying experience, preferably in electrical, industrial, or contract manufacturing
• Strong negotiation and supplier communication skills
• Proficiency with Excel and ERP or purchasing software
• High attention to detail and comfort managing many concurrent open orders
• Strong organizational and follow-up habits — expediting is a core part of this job

Preferred

• Experience purchasing for a UL 508A panel shop, switchgear builder, or electrical OEM
• Familiarity with major electrical distributors and manufacturers
• Experience with MRP-driven purchasing and inventory management

Pay: $23.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 – 45.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person