Buyer

About the Role

The Tactical Buyer manages the day-to-day procurement of goods and services needed for the organization's operations. This role focuses on the execution of buying activities, ensuring prompt delivery, competitive pricing, and adherence to quality standards. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in a fast-paced, high-volume purchasing environment, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of tactical procurement strategies. This position collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to support production schedules and business needs.

What's in it for You!

• Competitive Compensation Package: Our employees are the best part of our company. We want you to feel valued, appreciated, and included. Because of this, we make sure your hard work is recognized.
• Paid Leave (US ONLY): Enjoy time away from work with Company paid holidays and a flexible working schedule through our paid time off (PTO) policy. Yep, you read that correctly. We are a Company that values you and makes sure you take time for yourself.
• 401(k): Prepare for a secure retirement with our 401k plan, which includes an employer matching contribution.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Plans: We offer a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, as well as company-paid basic life insurance that supports you during your career with us. We believe that taking care of our employees is essential, and these benefits reflect our commitment to your health, security, and peace of mind.
• Global Team: With our state-of-the-art corporate headquarters in Rock Hill, South Carolina, our global team operates across more than 15 countries worldwide. Experience a workplace comprised of talented individuals who are passionate about serving our customers and each other.
• Innovative Culture: Innovation is at the heart of what we do! Since our founding in 1986 by Chuck Hull, the inventor of 3D printing, we have continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible with additive manufacturing. When you join 3D, you will have the opportunity to work with cutting edge technology in an innovative and collaborative culture!
• Talent Development: At 3D Systems, we invest in talent programs to support employees with opportunities to grow, contribute, develop, and thrive in their careers.
• Connection & Engagement Opportunities: We strive to cultivate an environment where our diverse global workforce can connect and thrive. Our Employee Resource Group program, Employee Recognition program, and 3D Gives Back program, are just a few examples of how you will be empowered to build connections, celebrate wins, and make a meaningful impact.

What You'll Do

• Order Management & Execution:




• Place, track, and expedite purchase orders for materials, components, and services based on production schedules and demand forecasts.
• Manage the entire purchase-to-pay cycle, from requisition creation to invoice resolution.
• Monitor open orders and resolve issues related to delivery delays, quality discrepancies, and invoice mismatches.




• Supplier Relations:




• Function as the primary point of contact for day-to-day supplier interactions.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules for routine purchases.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on key metrics such as on-time delivery, quality, and cost.
• Support the sourcing team in identifying and onboarding new suppliers as needed.




• Cost & Data Analysis:




• Conduct spend analysis to find opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Maintain exact purchasing data in the ERP/MRP system, including pricing, lead times, and supplier information.
• Generate and analyze reports on buying activities, including spending, lead times, and supplier performance.




• Inventory & Risk Management:




• Collaborate with the inventory and planning teams to ensure best inventory levels and prevent stockouts.
• Proactively find and mitigate supply chain risks related to single-source suppliers or market volatility.
• Process returns and manage non-conforming materials in collaboration with the quality department.




• Cross-Functional Collaboration:




• Work closely with production, engineering, quality, and finance teams to understand material requirements and support business objectives.
• Provide status updates and communicate supply chain risks to internal stakeholders.
• Participate in cross-functional projects aimed at improving procurement processes and systems.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of direct experience in a tactical purchasing or buying role, preferably within a manufacturing, distribution, or similar industry.
• Proven experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Strong negotiation skills and a history of achieving cost savings.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in Excel (e.g., VLOOKUPs, pivot tables).
• Exceptional communication and people skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CPIM, CSCP).
• Experience with e-procurement platforms.
• Familiarity with contract law and supply chain legal terms.
• Experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of market trends and supply chain dynamics related to electrical and optical components.
• Experience with RFQ/RFP processes.
• Knowledge of quality management systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• This is a primarily sedentary role in an office environment.
• Occasional travel may be needed to visit suppliers or attend industry events.
• May be needed to lift and carry up to 20 pounds on occasion.

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