Buyer I, Raw Materials

The Buyer I – Raw Materials is a key member of the Supply Chain Planning organization responsible for creating and executing raw material supply plans to support production requirements across Niagara’s manufacturing network. The candidate for this position must be a self-starter, capable of developing and achieving planning objectives in a fast-paced environment while successfully interfacing with all levels of internal management. This position works closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Procurement, Transportation, Suppliers, and Master Planning to ensure uninterrupted raw material supply, accurate inventory management, and adherence to inventory policies that support customer service, operational efficiency, and cost objectives.

• Review and plan raw material requirements to support production schedules and customer demand across assigned manufacturing facilities.
• Maintain planning system parameters, including safety stock, replenishment cycles, lead times, and other planning attributes to support accurate MRP execution.
• Monitor inventory levels and execute inventory policies to maintain supply continuity while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Analyze material requirements generated through MRP and take appropriate actions to mitigate shortages and support production needs.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Buyers, Manufacturing, Master Planning, and Suppliers to ensure timely replenishment of raw materials.
• Monitor changes in forecast, demand, production schedules, and network requirements and proactively adjust material plans accordingly.
• Support execution of BOM changes to ensure proper material consumption, inventory accuracy, and financial reporting compliance.
• Identify, communicate, and help mitigate raw material supply risks that may impact production or customer service.
• Optimize inventory and transportation costs by improving replenishment strategies, minimizing expedited shipments, and maximizing inventory efficiency.
• Utilize Oracle, planning systems, Excel, and reporting tools to analyze supply performance and support operational decision-making.
• Serve as an effective liaison among Operations, Procurement, Manufacturing, Transportation, and Supply Chain Planning teams.
• Develop and provide regular material forecasts to supplier to improve supply readiness
• Monitor supplier performance, service levels, and delivery reliability to identify supply risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Support process improvement initiatives that enhance planning accuracy, automation, data quality, and supply chain performance.
• Ensure that all follow-ups are completed in a timely manner and that all communications are addressed within one business day.
• Travel approximately 10% on average, or approximately two weeks annually.

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • 0 Years – Experience in Field or similar manufacturing environment
  • 0 Years  – Experience in Position
  • 0 Years  – Experience managing people/projects

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2 Years– Experience in Field or similar manufacturing environment
  • 2 Years – Experience working in Position         
  • 2 Years – Experience managing people/projects

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

• Travel approximately 10%.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong grasp of Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Data-driven approach to problem solving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to determine when face-to-face, phone, email, or text communication is appropriate.
• Ability to tailor message to audience.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

This position also embodies the values of Niagara’s LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success:

• Makes safety the number one priority.
• Keeps alert for safety issues and escalates immediately.
• Effectively prioritizes tasks based on department goals.
• Shows respect to others and confronts interpersonal issues directly.
• Prioritizes resolution of customer issues effectively.
• Responds promptly and honors commitments to internal and external customers.

• Makes recommendations to continuously improve policies, methods, procedures, and/or products.
• Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances.
• Increases performance through greater efficiency.

• Seeks to develop technical knowledge through learning from other experts.
• Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actions.
• Seeks solutions rather than placing blame.

• Consistently looks for ways to improve one’s self through growth and development opportunities.
• Communicates clearly and promptly up, down, and across.
• Communicates effectively to manage expectations.

Education

• Minimum Required: 
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Data Analytics, Supply Chain or other related field

• Preferred: 
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Data Analytics, Supply Chain or other related field

Certification/License:

• Required:          N/A
• Preferred:          N/A

Foreign Language

• Required:          None Required
• Preferred:          None Required

Typical Compensation Range

Benefits

Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family:

Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package.

• Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time
• Paid parental and caregiver leaves
• Medical, including virtual care options
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Health Savings Account with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members
• Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements
• Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan
• Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc. 
• Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities
• And more!