Retail buyer Jobs in Kansas City, KS

Job Title

Labconco is a leading manufacturer of laboratory equipment trusted by scientists and researchers around the world. Known for our commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement, we design and build products that support critical discoveries across a wide range of industries.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Buyer to join our Purchasing team. This role is responsible for source selection and procurement functions directly associated with the Company's needs for indirect materials and services, fixed assets and tooling, and select production materials and services. Ensure products and services are to be secured at cost quality and delivery competitive levels consistent with Company policy and performance standards. Further responsible for the timely planning, scheduling of receipt and inventory control of the products and services assigned.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and brings experience managing a high volume of SKUs within a low-volume, high-mix setting.

This position is a great fit for someone with strong organizational skills, a sense of urgency, and the ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and strong supplier relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Initiate purchase orders and amendments for parts, services and/or special tools; arranges for submission and inspection of sample products as required; close coordination with Schedulers to assure timely receipt of product to support production.
• Secure and analyze quotations; negotiate prices and terms with suppliers; and select/qualify suppliers with respect to cost, quality and delivery competitiveness.
• Develop relationships with current and prospective suppliers to determine supply capabilities, transportation logistics, inventory control and management, negotiate prices and delivery terms. Visit suppliers as needed and perform continuous supplier quality reviews.
• Process Material Rejection Reports (MRR) within 30 days.
• Implement Engineering Change Orders (ECO) revision changes.
• Communicate, as appropriate, quality matters and engineering changes with suppliers.
• Maintain a sense of urgency especially when unplanned events arise.
• Assist in execution of annual physical inventory.

Other Duties - Perform other job duties as assigned by Management.

Work Schedule

Normal working hours are typically an 8 hour work day within the operating hours of 7:00am - 4:00pm Monday Friday; unless otherwise discussed and/or established by the manager or seasonal schedule changes. From time to time additional hours may be required, as needed. This position is expected to work onsite; however, this position will be allowed to work from home one day a week as approved by supervisor once training is completed.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree; OR three to five years related experience and/or training; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Requirements

• Proficiency with ERP systems and material replenishment concepts (e.g., Kanban) to support purchasing and inventory planning activities.
• Strong mathematical aptitude, including ability to calculate discounts, and percentages, in pricing and cost analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of SKUs and/or experience operating in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, supplier performance, and changing production requirements.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Effective planning, scheduling, and organizational skills to ensure timely procurement and inventory availability.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to evaluate supplier quotes and secure competitive pricing, quality, and delivery terms. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and build supplier relationships.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, including blueprints (preferred).
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to respond effectively to unplanned supply chain disruptions or production needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• PTO, 9 paid holidays, Medical, HSA, FSA, Dental, Vision, 401k (Traditional and Roth), Company paid life insurance, LTD & STD.

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled