Senior Technical Buyer in Traverse City, Michigan at Texas Hydraulics Inc

Senior Technical Buyer

Why Join Oilgear

At Oilgear, we design and manufacture high-performance hydraulic systems that power some of the world’s most demanding industrial applications. Our employees play a critical role in our success, and we are committed to providing a safe, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment. At Oilgear, you’ll work with advanced technology, contribute to meaningful products, and be part of a team that values quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Position Overview

The Senior Technical Buyer is a key contributor within Oilgear’s Supply Chain and Purchasing Team, responsible for the procurement of goods and services that ensure adherence to production schedules and overall customer satisfaction. This role requires reading blueprints and understanding manufacturing processes. This role will manage the availability, cost, quality, and timely delivery of purchased materials, while also actively leading cost savings, sourcing, and supplier performance initiatives.

The Senior Technical Buyer will use the Epicor ERP system to drive purchasing activities and support Oilgear’s production, inventory, and compliance objectives. This position serves as a strategic liaison between internal departments (engineering, production, planning) and suppliers, ensuring the smooth flow of materials and information. A core expectation of this role is to continuously scout, develop, and qualify new supplier relationships in order to strengthen Oilgear’s supply base, reduce risk, and improve competitiveness.

Essential Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic liaison between internal departments (engineering, production, planning) and suppliers
• Auditing and matching specific part designs with optimal machine shop capabilities, balancing low-volume/high-mix production (EAU < 100) with cost and quality
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders and RFQs to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and lead times
• Track inventory levels and consumption trends; maintain optimal stock while minimizing excess inventory and shortages
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities, alternate sourcing, and long-term supplier agreements
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to ensure bill of materials (BOM) accuracy and support product changes
• Source and evaluate new vendors, including supporting supplier audits and qualification processes
• Continuously scout for and develop new supplier relationships — maintain an active pipeline of potential suppliers for key commodities
• Conduct ongoing market research to stay current on industry trends, emerging suppliers, new technologies, and pricing benchmarks
• Attend trade shows, industry events, and supplier site visits to identify and qualify potential new sourcing partners
• Maintain a documented supplier pipeline and report regularly to leadership on new sourcing opportunities, dual-source readiness, and supply base diversification efforts
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including single-source dependencies, geographic concentration, and supplier financial or capacity concerns
• Expedite critical items and work closely with production teams to meet delivery timelines and mitigate risks of downtime
• Monitor and report on supplier performance, including on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness
• Analyze quotations and negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules to secure favorable agreements
• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on procurement processes, lead time reduction, and inventory optimization
• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders about material availability, production constraints, and supplier updates
• Provide guidance or mentoring to junior buyers when needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience, with at least 3 years in a manufacturing or engineered-to-order environment; 7+ years preferred.
• Experience in the hydraulics, industrial equipment, machining, or engineering/manufacturing industry (similar to Oilgear) strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers on price, terms, and delivery
• Strong analytical skills; able to interpret and compare supplier quotations, lead times, and total cost of ownership
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Epicor strongly preferred)
• Blueprint & GD&T Literacy: Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) symbols, surface finish requirements, and material specifications.
• Manufacturing Process Knowledge: Understanding of metal manufacturing processes, specifically CNC milling/turning (3-axis vs. 5-axis), Swiss machining, deep-hole drilling, and post-processing of castings
• Vendor Capability Matching: Proven experience auditing and matching specific part designs with optimal machine shop capabilities, balancing low-volume/high-mix production (EAU < 100) with cost and quality
• Hydraulic/Fluid Power Familiarity (Preferred): Basic understanding of hydraulic components (manifolds, cylinders, valves) and the critical nature of seals, thread types (SAE, NPT, BSPP)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills — written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and prioritize in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Basic understanding of ISO 9001 or other quality systems
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel occasionally for supplier visits and industry events

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Optional hospital, critical illness, and accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Safety shoe reimbursement program
• Safety glasses reimbursement program
• Tuition assistance up to $5,000 per year

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Oilgear Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment Status Statement

Employment with The Oilgear Company is at-will. This means that either the employee or The Oilgear Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Nothing in this job description or any other Company document should be interpreted as a contract of employment, an offer of continued employment, or a guarantee of employment for any specific duration.