Senior Buyer

ABOUT BUCKEYE FIRE EQUIPMENTBuckeye Fire Equipment is a leading manufacturer of portable fire extinguishers and suppression systems, trusted by fire protection professionals, industrial facilities, and government agencies for over 58 years. Our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation drives every aspect of our operations — and our procurement team plays a critical role in sustaining that standard.POSITION SUMMARYBuckeye Fire Equipment is seeking an experienced, results-driven Strategic Buyer to join our Supply Chain team on a full-time, onsite basis. This role is central to our procurement operations and requires a proven professional who can demonstrate measurable cost savings, optimize inventory performance, and build strong supplier partnerships. The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of hands-on buying experience and a track record of delivering quantifiable impact in a manufacturing or industrial environment.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESProcurement & SourcingManage end-to-end procurement of direct and indirect materials including raw materials, components, and MRO suppliesDevelop and execute sourcing strategies that drive measurable cost reductions year-over-yearConduct competitive bidding, RFQs, and supplier negotiations to secure best-in-class pricing and termsEvaluate and qualify new suppliers in alignment with quality, cost, delivery, and sustainability objectivesInventory OptimizationAnalyze demand patterns and lead times to establish and maintain optimal safety stock and reorder pointsImplement inventory reduction strategies without compromising service levels or production continuityCollaborate with production planning and warehouse teams to align purchasing activity with operational needsMonitor and report on key inventory KPIs including turns, days on hand, and excess/obsolete exposureSupplier Relationship ManagementBuild and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, conducting regular business reviews and performance evaluationsDrive supplier development initiatives focused on quality improvement, lead-time reduction, and cost competitivenessResolve supply disruptions proactively, maintaining continuity of supply to the production floorCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams on new product introductions and material change requestsSupport Finance with accurate purchase price variance (PPV) tracking and budget forecastingEnsure compliance with procurement policies, ethical sourcing standards, and regulatory requirementsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSMinimum 10 years of progressive experience in a Buyer or Senior Buyer role within a manufacturing or industrial environmentDemonstrated, quantifiable success in cost savings initiatives — candidates must be prepared to present specific examples and metricsProven track record of inventory optimization, including reductions in excess inventory, improved turns, or safety stock rationalizationDeep knowledge of procurement best practices, sourcing methodologies, and supplier negotiation techniquesProficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly ExcelStrong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data, supplier performance metrics, and inventory reportsExcellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings to leadershipBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related fieldPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSCPM, CPSM, or APICS (CPIM/CSCP) certification strongly preferredExperience in fire protection, safety equipment, or other regulated manufacturing industriesBackground in lean manufacturing or supply chain continuous improvement initiativesExperience managing multi-site or global supply chainsWHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKEWithin your first year, you will have established trusted supplier relationships, identified and begun executing a pipeline of cost savings opportunities, and implemented inventory controls that measurably improve turns and reduce excess stock. You will be a go-to resource for supply chain decision-making across the organization and a visible contributor to Buckeye's operational performance.