Buyer at Virnig Manufacturing, Inc. – Rice, Minnesota

Located in the heart of Central Minnesota, Virnig Manufacturing has been designing and producing skid steer loader attachments since 1989. From engineering and cutting raw materials to machining, welding, and painting the finished product, all steps of the manufacturing process are done in-house. Today, the family-owned and operated business has grown into a premium attachment manufacturer supplying North America and beyond. By integrating the latest manufacturing technologies and using top-of-the-line materials, Virnig has distinguished themselves as a cut above the rest in the manufacturing industry.

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing materials, components, and services that support production, operations, and new product needs. This role ensures product availability while managing cost, quality, and delivery performance.

The Buyer works closely with Production Planning, Engineering, Operations, Accounting, and suppliers to maintain accurate system data, support new product launches, and drive continuous improvement within the supply chain.

Salary: $66,000-$73,000

FLSA: Salaried

Benefits Package Includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Generous PTO including vacation, personal time, and paid holidays
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Opportunities for growth and development

Responsibilities

• Prepare and issue purchase orders; solicit and evaluate competitive bids and quotations.
• Research, evaluate, and select suppliers based on price, quality, service, reliability, and overall performance.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms to support cost control and long-term supplier partnerships.
• Negotiate supplier stocking strategy and delivery terms.
• Monitor open purchase orders and shipments related to the scope of new product development and alternate supplier samples to ensure on-time delivery; proactively address delays or shortages.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and vendor, within the ERP system.
• Collaborate with Engineering to source prototype components and support new product introductions.
• Work cross functionally to resolve nonconforming or defective materials and determine corrective actions.
• Participate in supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Communicate supply risks, cost concerns, or market changes to leadership.
• Support cost reduction strategies and strategic sourcing efforts.
• Perform other purchasing related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking - Ability to analyze data, evaluate supplier options, and make sound purchasing decisions that balance cost, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Supplier Relationship Management - Builds and maintains professional, productive relationships with suppliers to support reliability, performance, and long-term partnership.
• Cost Analysis and Negotiation - Reviews pricing structures, compares bids, and negotiates favorable terms while ensuring value and maintaining quality standards.
• ERP and Data Accuracy - Maintains accurate purchasing and vendor, within the ERP system to support reliable MRP outputs and operational decisions.
• Cross Functional Collaboration - Works effectively with Production Planning, Engineering, Operations, and Accounting to ensure material availability and resolve issues.
• Problem Solving and Issue Resolution - Identifies supply disruptions, quality concerns, or delivery challenges and takes proactive steps to resolve them efficiently.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset - Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, strengthen supplier performance, and support company growth.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, military service, veteran status, gender identity, status with regard to public assistance, or any other class protected by law. The company provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship for the Company.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship building abilities.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of heavy equipment, metal fabrication, or industrial manufacturing preferred.