Associate Buyer - Components at Bell International Laboratories, Inc – Eagan, Minnesota

Position Summary:

The Associate Buyer supports the Purchasing team in sourcing, procuring, and managing components required for production in a dynamic personal care manufacturing environment. This role acts as a bridge between suppliers, planning, and production to ensure all materials are ordered accurately, delivered on time, and meet required quality and cost standards. The Associate Buyer takes ownership of assigned categories, assists in vendor negotiations, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen supplier performance and internal efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Order Management

• Issue, monitor, and manage purchase orders for raw materials, components, and packaging based on MRP or production schedules.
• Ensure purchase orders are accurate in quantity, cost, lead time, and specifications.
• Follow up proactively with suppliers to confirm order acknowledgment, delivery timelines, and shipping documentation.
• Expedite or defer orders as needed to support production requirements and minimize excess inventory.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Serve as a key point of contact for assigned suppliers, maintaining clear and professional communication.
• Support vendor qualification, price negotiations, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with Quality and Receiving teams to address nonconformances, late deliveries, or material discrepancies.

Inventory & Data Management

• Maintain optimal inventory levels by reviewing usage trends, safety stock, and lead times.
• Update purchase order data and material status within the ERP system to ensure accurate reporting.
• Monitor open purchase orders and provide weekly status updates to the Planning and Production teams.
• Identify opportunities to reduce inventory holding costs while ensuring uninterrupted supply.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Planning, Production, and R&D to ensure timely material availability for new product launches and ongoing production runs.
• Coordinate with Accounts Payable to reconcile invoice and receipt discrepancies.
• Support the Purchasing Manager in preparing cost analyses, supplier scorecards, and sourcing reports.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Management

• Contribute to supplier consolidation, cost-reduction, and process optimization initiatives.
• Participate in evaluating alternative suppliers or materials to improve cost efficiency or supply security.
• Support development of standardized purchasing workflows and documentation templates.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for supplier and internal interactions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and build positive vendor relationships.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset with initiative to identify and act on opportunities for improvement.

Required Education and Experience:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 2-3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain coordination within a manufacturing or contract manufacturing environment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience with ERP or MRP systems
• Basic understanding of personal care or contract manufacturing processes