Buyer

The Buyer is responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement of direct and indirect materials to support Hyson's manufacturing and business operations in Brecksville. This role balances day-to-day purchasing execution with supplier relationship management and sourcing activities, ensuring materials are available on time, at competitive cost, and to the quality standards required in a precision manufacturing environment.

Core Responsibilities:

• Issue and manage purchase orders for direct materials (raw materials, components) and indirect/MRO supplies in support of production and operational needs.
• Monitor open POs to ensure on-time delivery; proactively communicate supply risks and manage expedites as required.
• Resolve problem shipments with suppliers, including receiving discrepancies, packaging non-conformances, and related delivery issues.
• Address problem invoices with suppliers, including researching and correcting mismatched vouchers and purchase order discrepancies.
• Conduct supplier sourcing and evaluation activities, including RFQ processes, bid analysis, and supplier selection recommendations.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships; serve as the primary point of contact for assigned supplier base.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with suppliers to drive cost competitiveness and supply reliability.
• Track and analyze supplier performance against cost, quality, delivery, and service metrics; drive corrective actions where performance gaps exist.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and finance to align procurement activity with business requirements.
• Support new product development and engineering changes by sourcing and qualifying new materials or suppliers as needed.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and data within the ERP system; ensure item master, pricing, and lead time data is current.
• Identify and execute cost reduction and continuous improvement opportunities within the supply base.
• Ensure compliance with Hyson procurement policies, export/import regulations, and supplier code of conduct requirements.
• Travel up to 10% of the time as required, including occasional international travel for supplier visits and business needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Adhere to the Company Code of Ethics and Values.

Competencies:

Ownership & Accountability: Takes responsibility for supply outcomes; follows through on commitments to internal customers and suppliers.

Attention to Detail: Accurately processes POs, pricing, and supplier data with a low error tolerance.

Negotiation & Influence: Skilled at negotiating with suppliers on cost, lead time, and terms; builds mutually beneficial supplier relationships.

Analytical Thinking: Uses data to evaluate supplier performance, assess sourcing options, and support cost reduction decisions.

Collaboration: Works effectively across engineering, operations, quality, and finance to align purchasing activity with manufacturing and business needs.

Adaptability: Manages shifting priorities and supply disruptions effectively in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and leadership.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in a purchasing, procurement, or supply chain role within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing a portfolio of direct and/or indirect spend categories.
• Hands-on experience issuing and managing purchase orders, expediting, and resolving supplier delivery issues.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems for purchasing transactions and data management (e.g., JBA, SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office suite for data analysis and reporting.
• Solid understanding of procurement fundamentals: RFQ process, cost analysis, supplier negotiation, and PO management.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, drawings, and specifications relevant to purchased parts or materials.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple open orders and priorities simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; able to represent Hyson professionally in supplier interactions.
• Familiarity with supplier development and formal supplier performance management processes.
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) or engineering change processes from a procurement perspective.
• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives within a supply chain or procurement context preferred.
• Knowledge of import/export compliance requirements, Incoterms, and international sourcing a plus.
• Familiarity with contract review and basic commercial terms negotiation a plus.

Education Requirements and Preferences:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field required.
• APICS CSCP, CPIM or CPSM certification (or progress toward certification) is a plus but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit; use hands to handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is frequently required to talk and/or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is able to perform functions that require manual and finger dexterity.