Buyer

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we’re always looking to get stronger across North America, Europe, and Asia. Join us as a Buyer in Holland, MI as we work together to bring innovative automation solutions to life.  

The Buyer role is responsible for managing end-to-end procurement activities for complex automation projects, ensuring materials and engineered components are sourced, negotiated, and delivered on time to support project schedules from kickoff through installation. The position partners closely with Engineering, Project Management, and suppliers to manage RFQs/RFPs, control costs, mitigate supply chain risks, and support successful project execution. Ideal candidates will have experience in manufacturing, automation, or engineered-to-order environments, strong technical aptitude, supplier negotiation skills, and the ability to interpret drawings, BOMs, and engineering specifications.

• Manage end-to-end project procurement from kickoff through FAT, shipment, and installation, ensuring alignment with project schedules and customer requirements.
• Lead RFQs/RFPs for complex automation components including robotics, mechatronics assemblies, conveyors, packaging systems, and controls hardware.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms for low-volume, high-mix engineered components and custom assemblies.
• Read and interpret mechanical and controls drawings, BOMs, customer specifications, and revision updates to ensure accurate and compliant procurement.
• Monitor suppliers lead times, capacity, and delivery performance, proactively adjusting schedules to meet project milestones and mitigate risk.
• Partner with Project Management to track budgets, forecast procurement spend, and manage cost or schedule impacts.
• Support Strategic Sourcing in evaluating supplier performance across quality, delivery, responsiveness, and capability metrics.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives through alternative sourcing, material substitutions, commercial negotiations, and value-engineering efforts.
• Support inventory strategy and material availability for standard components such as pneumatics, fasteners, sensors, drives, and safety hardware. 

• →Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• →Procurement or sourcing experience in a manufacturing, automation, mechatronics, robotics, or engineered‑to‑order environment.
• →Demonstrated experience managing project‑based purchasing from kickoff through installation or commissioning.
• →Background purchasing low‑volume, high‑mix engineered components and custom assemblies is strongly preferred.
• →Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems for purchase order management, lead time updates, supplier acknowledgments, and demand planning.
• →Ability to read and interpret mechanical and controls drawings, BOMs, engineering specifications, and revision documentation.
• →Understanding of industrial and automation components such as pneumatics, sensors, fasteners, electrical hardware, drives, and safety devices.
• →Strong negotiation skills, including price, delivery terms, and commercial conditions.
• →Experience conducting RFQs/RFPs and evaluating supplier proposals for technical and commercial fit.
• →Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, v‑lookups, data analysis). 

Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.