Our client within the specialty chemical manufacturing industrsy (FDA/cGMP environment) is looking to hire a Buyer to join their team in St. Louis, MO!

• Pay: $32-36/hr
• Hours: 8a-5p M-F
• Terms: 6 month contract-to-hire

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Procurement

• Purchase packaging and raw material components required for plant operations using ERP/MRP systems (Ross/Aptean).
• Create accurate purchase orders and ensure on-time material receipt in alignment with production planning.
• Monitor inventory levels and prepare purchasing schedules to maintain “just-in-time” supply.
• Verify purchase requisitions, compare requirements to master lists, clarify unclear items, and recommend alternatives.
• Negotiate cash discounts, volume pricing, contract terms, and OEM agreements to support cost savings goals.

Supplier Management & Strategic Sourcing

• Research, evaluate, and qualify suppliers based on pricing, service, quality, capability, reliability, and market reputation.
• Conduct strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce spend, support continuous improvement, and reduce supply chain risk.
• Negotiate and execute supply agreements and category contracts.
• Maintain vendor performance records including pricing histories and operational issues.

Category Management

• Track commodity markets (fiberboard, resin, steel, etc.) and key cost drivers affecting the packaging category.
• Maintain master lists of all packaging components; monitor monthly cost fluctuations and communicate changes to Accounting and Sales.
• Design new packaging components (poly drums, liners, super sacks, cartons, fiber drums) for customers and internal use.
• Create, implement, and reconcile annual RFQs to meet organizational cost-saving initiatives.
• Meet annual cost-saving targets established by the Purchasing Manager and Executive Team.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Attend weekly production planning meetings and coordinate lead times, shipment schedules, and quantity requirements with Planning and Sales teams.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Accounting, and other departments to ensure purchasing needs are met.
• Develop procedures for receiving and verification of goods; resolve shipment discrepancies with suppliers.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare PowerPoint presentations for Executive leadership and Board-level reviews when requested.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize purchasing data and trends to support decision-making and forecasting.
• Maintain accessible, accurate purchasing documentation and files.

General

• Follow established purchasing policies and assist in updating procedures when necessary.
• Complete additional tasks assigned by Management to support the improvement of Jost operations.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Purchasing, or related field required.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience using ERP/MRP systems (preferably in food/pharma manufacturing or distribution).
• Purchasing or supply chain certification (e.g., CSPM) preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• High attention to detail and organizational accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint required).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience managing RFQs, contracts, and supplier performance.

Knowledge

• Purchasing processes, procurement policy compliance, and strategic sourcing methodology.
• Inventory monitoring, planning, and delivery scheduling.
• Supplier evaluation based on price, quality, service, and performance history.

Abilities

• Research, evaluate, and select suppliers using qualitative and quantitative criteria.
• Expedite orders and resolve shipment discrepancies.
• Support organizational goals through cost savings initiatives and effective procurement decisions.
• Maintain accurate purchasing documentation, records, and reporting tools.

INDBH