Senior Buyer in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania at Apex GeoTech Solutions

Position Summary

The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading purchasing and procurement activities to support manufacturing operations and production schedules at Apex GeoTech Solutions, with particular emphasis on the steel pipe commodity categories. This role goes beyond day-to-day purchase order execution to include supplier negotiation, sourcing strategy, and category management, while also ensuring material availability, ERP system accuracy, and on-time delivery of materials and services. The ideal candidate brings hands-on manufacturing procurement experience, preferably within the steel business, is highly organized and detail-oriented, and is capable of operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining strong supplier relationships, mentoring junior buyers, and driving cross-departmental communication.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Purchasing & Procurement Execution

• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders within the ERP/MRP system.
• Ensure timely procurement of raw materials, components, supplies, and services based on demand signals, production schedules, min/max levels, reorder points, and MRP recommendations.
• Monitor and maintain open purchase orders to ensure accurate delivery commitments.
• Work closely with suppliers to confirm pricing, lead times, and shipment schedules.
• Assist in identifying alternate suppliers and sourcing opportunities when necessary.

Strategic Sourcing & Steel Pipe Category Management

• Manage purchasing of steel and steel pipe, including grade/spec selection, mill and distributor relationships, and mill certification requirements.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with steel mills, service centers, and pipe suppliers to reduce cost and mitigate market volatility.
• Mentor junior buyers and serve as the internal subject-matter expert on steel and steel pipe procurement.

Material Availability & Production Support

• Monitor inventory levels and assist in preventing material shortages and production interruptions.
• Expedite purchase orders and shipments as needed to support manufacturing requirements and customer commitments.
• Communicate shortages, delays, or supply risks to the Director of Supply Chain, Plant Manager, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Coordinate with operations, production, and warehouse teams to ensure material flow supports manufacturing schedules.

Supplier Coordination & Relationship Management

• Maintain professional communication with suppliers regarding order confirmations, delivery timelines, discrepancies, and routine procurement issues.
• Resolve routine supplier issues related to pricing, quantity discrepancies, invoice discrepancies, and delivery performance.
• Support supplier performance tracking and continuous improvement initiatives.

ERP System & Data Accuracy

• Maintain accurate purchasing records, vendor information, and procurement data within the ERP system.
• Assist with reporting related to open purchase orders, late deliveries, supplier performance, and inventory trends.
• Ensure purchasing documentation complies with company procedures and audit requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement processes, inventory management, and operational efficiency.
• Follow all company safety procedures, policies, and quality standards.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, or related field.
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems preferred.
• Manufacturing purchasing experience required; experience in the steel business strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience purchasing steel pipe required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, inventory, and procurement concepts, including commodity market dynamics for steel and steel pipe.

Key Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Communication Skills
• Process Discipline
• Problem Solving
• Accountability
• Team Collaboration
• Sense of Urgency
• Negotiation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work within a manufacturing and warehouse environment as needed.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in an office environment within a manufacturing facility. Occasional exposure to shop or warehouse environments may occur. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated operational areas.