PROJECT BUYER in Zimmerman, Minnesota at Reliant Systems Inc

General Description:

The Project Buyer partners with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to support new product development and ensure successful transition of products into production. This role is responsible for sourcing components and suppliers, evaluating make-versus-buy decisions, driving cost and manufacturability improvements, and managing supplier onboarding activities. The Project Buyer also provides support for day-to-day purchasing activities as needed to maintain continuity of supply and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• New Product Development & Project Support

• Collaborate with Engineering and cross-functional teams during product development to support sourcing and procurement activities

• Identify, evaluate, and recommend suppliers capable of meeting technical, quality, delivery, and cost requirements

• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities to ensure materials and suppliers are production-ready

• Coordinate supplier involvement during prototype, pilot, and production launch phases

• Work with Engineering to improve product manufacturability and reduce overall product costs

• Analyze and support make-versus-buy decisions using cost, capacity, quality, and strategic sourcing considerations

• Obtain and analyze supplier quotations, lead times, tooling costs, and production capabilities

• Support cost estimating activities for manufactured components and assemblies

• Track actual product and component costs against planned or target costs during product development and launch activities

• Identify cost variances and collaborate with Engineering, Operations, and suppliers to implement corrective actions or cost reduction opportunities

• Drive value engineering and cost reduction initiatives throughout the product lifecycle

Supplier Development & Management

• Identify and onboard new suppliers to support business growth, capacity, technology, and risk mitigation needs

• Conduct supplier evaluations related to quality systems, manufacturing capability, financial stability, and operational performance

• Assist in supplier negotiations related to pricing, lead times, contracts, and service expectations

• Support supplier performance monitoring and corrective action activities when needed

• Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure responsiveness and continuous improvement

Purchasing & Operational Support

• Support regular purchasing and procurement activities as required, including purchase order placement and follow-up

• Monitor material availability and coordinate with suppliers to support production schedules

• Assist in resolving supply, quality, delivery, and invoice discrepancies

• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier records within ERP or procurement systems

• Support inventory optimization and supply continuity initiatives

Job Requirements:

• Successfully complete a criminal background check

• Regular and reliable attendance

• Flexibility to work extended hours as business needs dictate

• Ability to work off-hours to support global activities as needs dictate

• Learn and maintain a thorough knowledge of all product and service needs as well as stay apprised of industry developments

Skills & Abilities:

• Collaboration, teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking

• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and project management skills

• Supplier relationship management

• Cost and value optimization

• Initiative, accountability, organization, and attention to detail

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (especially machining), supplier management, and procurement principles

• Ability to analyze technical drawings, specifications, manufacturing methods, and cost structures

• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment

• APICS, CPM, CPSM, or related certification is a plus

Work Experience & Knowledge Requirements:

• 5+ years of purchasing, sourcing, supply chain, or project buying experience in a manufacturing environment

• Knowledge of strategic sourcing and supplier development methodologies

• Experience supporting new product development or new product introduction (NPI) processes preferred

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications

• Experience with cost analysis, cost estimating, and value engineering initiatives

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement principles

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred.