Senior MRO Buyer

The MRO Buyer is responsible for the procurement and management of Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) materials and services required to support manufacturing, distribution, facilities, and administrative operations. This role partners closely with Maintenance, Operations, Facilities, Engineering, EHS, and Finance to ensure the timely availability of materials and services while optimizing inventory levels, supplier performance, quality, and total cost.

The MRO Buyer is accountable for maintaining continuity of operations by proactively managing supplier performance, inventory replenishment, critical spare parts availability, and supply chain risks to prevent equipment downtime and operational disruptions.

Procurement and Supplier Management

Procure MRO materials, spare parts, tooling, safety supplies, facilities supplies, consumables, and indirect materials in support of business operations.

Create, manage, and expedite purchase orders to support on-time delivery of materials and services.

Identify, evaluate, and develop suppliers capable of meeting quality, delivery, service, and cost expectations.

Solicit quotations, analyze proposals, and negotiate pricing, terms, and service agreements.

Manage supplier performance and address quality, delivery, invoicing, and service-related issues.

Support supplier rationalization and sourcing initiatives that improve service levels and reduce total cost.

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels and replenishment requirements for MRO items.
• Work with internal stakeholders to establish and maintain appropriate stocking strategies, reorder points, and inventory parameters.
• Assist with cycle count reviews, inventory accuracy initiatives, and inventory reduction programs.
• Coordinate the disposition of excess, obsolete, and surplus inventory in a cost-effective manner.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Facilities, Safety, and Operations teams to understand material requirements and priorities.
• Support capital projects by sourcing equipment, services, and indirect materials as required.
• Participate in new equipment installations and facility improvement projects by coordinating procurement activities and supplier support.
• Assist with emergency sourcing situations to minimize operational downtime.
• Cost Savings and Continuous Improvement
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through supplier negotiations, alternate sourcing, process improvements, and inventory optimization.
• Monitor market conditions, pricing trends, and supply risks impacting MRO categories.
• Recommend actions to mitigate supply disruptions and manage cost increases.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement processes, supplier performance, and inventory management.
• Systems and Reporting
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, and purchasing information within ERP and procurement systems.
• Analyze purchasing data and develop reports regarding spend, supplier performance, inventory levels, and cost savings.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and approval processes.
• Maintain documentation and records in accordance with company and audit requirements.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, inventory management, or supply chain experience.
• Experience purchasing MRO materials, equipment, spare parts, indirect goods, or related commodities preferred.
• Manufacturing environment experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of procurement, inventory management, and supplier management principles.
• Strong negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (Oracle) and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to analyze data and make sound business decisions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to internal customer service.