Sr. Buyer

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Buyer to join an engineering-focused manufacturing organization in Liverpool, New York on a Contract basis. This position plays a key role in supporting production continuity, supplier performance, and cost management by partnering with internal teams and external vendors. The ideal candidate brings strong purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment and can balance strategic sourcing decisions with day-to-day material planning and execution.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze material demand, system signals, and planning inputs to ensure purchasing activity aligns with production needs.
• Partner with engineering, planning, quality, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to coordinate purchasing priorities and resolve supply-related issues.
• Lead supplier communication on order status, delivery commitments, forecasts, and performance expectations to support reliable material flow.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and lead times with vendors while identifying opportunities to reduce total supply chain costs.
• Create purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders as needed, while keeping system records current and accurate.
• Monitor shortages, exception messages, and urgent supply risks, taking proactive action to minimize disruptions to operations.
• Evaluate inventory trends, safety stock levels, and stocking strategies to improve turns and maintain appropriate material availability.
• Maintain approved supplier information, support qualification of alternate sources for critical components, and strengthen vendor relationships.
• Review technical drawings and material changes in coordination with engineering to support product updates, revisions, and new material introductions.
• Track lead-time, pricing, and master data accuracy while supporting supplier scorecards and business reviews.
• At least 5 years of senior-level buying, purchasing, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate vendor pricing, contracts, and commercial terms effectively.
• Strong background in supplier management, including performance monitoring and relationship development.
• Experience using ERP or MRP systems for purchasing, planning, and data maintenance; direct system experience in a comparable platform is highly preferred.
• Solid understanding of cost analysis, inventory control, and material planning principles.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and collaborate with technical teams on material-related decisions.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in an onsite environment.
• Proven skill in identifying supply chain risks, supporting shortage resolution, and improving procurement efficiency.