Buyer

Job Summary
Kensington Electronics, Inc. is seeking a Buyer to support the company’s purchasing function through the timely and accurate procurement of assigned materials, product lines, and vendor requirements. This position helps maintain strong supplier relationships, monitors open orders and delivery commitments, supports inventory and customer demand requirements, and works closely with sales and internal teams to resolve issues, protect service levels, and meet company objectives. The position reports to the Purchasing Manager and, in lieu of that role, to the Vice President.

This position may involve access to supplier, customer, operational, technical, or other information subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including ITAR and EAR requirements. Due to the nature of Kensington Electronics’ business and customer requirements, eligibility for this role may be limited to individuals who meet applicable U.S. export control authorization requirements and company compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Procure assigned materials, components, and product lines in accordance with customer demand, forecasted requirements, inventory needs, and company purchasing practices
• Create, review, and maintain purchase orders, order acknowledgements, open order reports, and related ERP data with a high degree of accuracy
• Monitor supplier lead times, promise dates, and delivery performance to support vendor on-time delivery and customer service expectations
• Follow up with vendors on open orders, expedites, de-expedites, shortages, and shipment status
• Maintain assigned focus lines, including pricing updates, product changes, discontinued or obsolete items, stock rotation concerns, and product discrepancy resolution
• Communicate with vendors regarding availability, lead time changes, allocations, backorders, documentation requests, and other supply issues impacting orders
• Coordinate with sales, customer service, warehouse, and management to resolve purchasing, delivery, pricing, and product-related issues in a timely manner
• Comply with all applicable company policies and procedures relating to export-controlled information, customer confidentiality, cybersecurity requirements, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and restricted access to regulated systems or technical data.
• Review inventory positions and purchasing activity to help balance customer needs, service levels, and inventory investment
• Research alternate sources, replacement parts, or revised procurement options when lead times, obsolescence, or supply disruptions create risk
• Maintain organized records and support reporting related to vendor performance, open purchase orders, pricing, and assigned product activity
• Meet all responsibilities applicable to this role as outlined in the ISO Quality Assurance and Procedures Manual and other company policies or procedures
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management

Skills

• Proficiency in SAP, Oracle EBS, ERP systems, and MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software for effective procurement management.
• Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing advantageous contracts.
• Extensive knowledge of procurement processes within manufacturing environments and supply chain operations.
• Expertise in supplier management, category management, logistics coordination, and materials management.
• Familiarity with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) when working on government-related contracts or projects.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis to resolve procurement issues swiftly and effectively.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating across departments and negotiating with suppliers.
• Understanding of production planning principles, quality management standards, and pricing strategies. Join us as a Buyer to play a vital role in driving operational excellence through strategic sourcing, innovative procurement practices, and supplier relationship management! Your expertise will help us maintain a resilient supply chain while supporting our commitment to quality and efficiency across all facets of our business operations.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Two or more years of purchasing, buying, product management, inside sales support, or supply-chain-related experience, preferably in distribution, electronics, or a similar product environment
• Experience working with purchase orders, vendor follow-up, pricing, lead times, and order status management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Strong attention to detail, organization, follow-through, and time management skills
• Ability to communicate professionally with vendors, customers, and internal teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in electronic components, interconnects, electromechanical products, or a related technical distribution environment
• Experience using ERP or distribution software to manage purchasing activity, open orders, and supplier data
• Familiarity with supplier performance tracking, inventory planning, and product lifecycle issues such as obsolescence or product changes

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extraordinary courtesy and tact, with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Sound problem-solving ability and judgment when addressing vendor, inventory, delivery, or product issues
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage changing requirements in a fast-paced distribution environment
• Ability to analyze information, identify risks, and escalate issues appropriately
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively across departments
• Commitment to accuracy, responsiveness, and service

Work Environment
This position is primarily office-based within a distribution business environment and requires regular interaction with internal departments, suppliers, and, at times, warehouse personnel. Occasional lifting or moving of items up to 20 pounds may be required.

About Kensington Electronics
Kensington Electronics is known for responsive service, strong supplier and customer relationships, and a practical, solution-oriented approach to the electronic components business. We are looking for someone who values accuracy, follow-through, and teamwork and who can help support purchasing performance in a dynamic distribution environment.

To Apply
Please submit your resume for consideration.

Pay: $52,500.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Application Question(s):

• This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or products. Are you a “U.S. Person” as defined under ITAR, meaning a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)?

Location:

• Austin, TX 78758 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Austin, TX 78758: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person