Buyer II

Job Title: Buyer II

Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, USA, Afinitas is the global market leader for pipe and precast concrete equipment, forming systems and concrete accessories used to build the world's critical transportation, water and utility infrastructure systems. Afinitas is known for the innovative technologies and services it provides through its trusted HawkeyePedershaab, BFS, New Hampton Metal Fab and other well-known brands, which customers have relied upon for decades. Afinitas is a part of BW Forsyth Partners, LLC, the investment arm of Barry-Wehmiller, a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.

The Buyer II is a detail-oriented and driven professional responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing inventory for assigned product categories. This role includes processing purchase orders, negotiating with suppliers, tracking orders, maintaining accurate inventory records, and ensuring product quality. The Buyer collaborates across departments to forecast business needs and make cost-effective purchase decisions, balancing quality, service, and budget requirements.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures for purchasing.
• Review specifications, quality, quantity, and delivery requirements for moderately complex categories.
• Source suppliers, evaluate alternatives, and recommend substitutes when products are unavailable.
• Assist in developing short- and long-term purchasing strategies to optimize supply base, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Build and maintain collaborative supplier relationships; participate in joint continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare and evaluate quotes, ensuring compliance with company purchasing policies.
• Complete purchase transactions and confirm all deliverables are met.
• Monitor inventory levels, review stock settings, and help reduce rejects/chargebacks.
• Participate in daily cross-functional meetings; resolve escalated supplier issues and ensure uninterrupted parts flow.
• Track supplier performance using quarterly scorecards; collect and analyze metrics to ensure compliance.
• Arrange logistics, monitor shipments, and ensure on-time delivery of goods.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects such as product development or cost-reduction initiatives.
• Prepare reports, perform value analysis studies, and support procurement audits.
• Ensure supplier documentation (NDAs, quality/operations surveys) is accurate and up to date.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree or Associates Degree Preferred
• 2-4 years of applicable experience
• Strong verbal and written interpersonal/communication skills required
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to shifting priorities
• Strong Computer Aptitude

Work Environment

This is an office position associated with a manufacturing facility. The employee must be able to correctly wear and use any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the employer when in the manufacturing area.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify. Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.