Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

Abacus is looking to hire a contractual Buyer in the Bethlehem, PA area.

This is about a 4+ week assignment.

The Buyer is responsible for executing procurement activities that ensure uninterrupted production through effective purchase order management, MRP execution, supplier performance, and inventory replenishment. This role partners with Planning, Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality to maintain material availability, resolve supply issues, and optimize supplier performance in support of business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Purchase Order Management

• Create, maintain, and manage purchase orders to support production and inventory requirements.
• Monitor open purchase orders and proactively expedite, defer, or reschedule deliveries based on business needs.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, pricing, and delivery commitments within the ERP system.
• Resolve purchasing discrepancies, including supplier, receiving, and invoice issues.

MRP & Inventory Execution

• Execute daily MRP recommendations to maintain material availability and support production schedules.
• Review inventory levels, lead times, and planning parameters to optimize replenishment and minimize shortages.
• Partner with Planning/Business Systems to balance supply and demand while reducing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Ensure ERP planning data remains accurate to support effective material planning.

Supplier Performance & Relationship Management

• Manage supplier performance related to delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness.
• Drive supplier accountability through regular communication and timely issue resolution.
• Identify and mitigate supply risks that could impact production or customer commitments.
• Support supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Planning, Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, and Quality to resolve material issues and support production.
• Communicate material risks, recovery plans, and supplier constraints to key stakeholders.
• Support engineering changes, supplier transitions, and other operational initiatives while maintaining continuity of supply.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes, supplier performance, and inventory management.
• Develop and maintain procurement metrics to support operational performance and informed decision-making.
• Promote best practices that improve efficiency, data integrity, and procurement execution.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in medical device, precision machining, or other regulated manufacturing environments preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and purchasing workflows.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Working knowledge of purchasing, inventory management, and supplier performance metrics.

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective supplier relationship management and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Key Success Metrics

• Material availability to support production
• Purchase order accuracy and on-time execution
• Supplier on-time delivery and performance
• Timely resolution of MRP exceptions and material shortages
• Inventory performance and ERP data integrity