Buyer

Wausau Window and Wall Systems

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Buyer I within AFS, you will play a key role in supporting our multi-site manufacturing operations by procuring essential materials, supplies, and services. You will work closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure on-time delivery, quality, and cost-effectiveness across our facilities. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

In this position, you will be responsible for creating and managing purchase orders, coordinating with vendors, and monitoring inventory levels to support production schedules across our sites. You will also contribute to cost-saving initiatives and assist in evaluating supplier performance. The ideal candidate has a customer service-oriented approach and enjoys collaborating with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and finance, to help drive efficiencies and improve supply chain processes.

POSITION DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create purchase orders within an ERP system.
• Utilize configuration software in conjunction with engineering requirements to build job-specific items/orders on a per project basis.
• Assure that the purchase orders are delivered on schedule by monitoring open order reports, working with the vendors to confirm ship dates, and updating the internal system to assure its accuracy.
• Accountable for acknowledging daily purchase order confirmations from our vendor partners and proactively sharing any discrepancies with the appropriate teams in Epicor and JDE MRP software programs. 
• Support all levels of the organization as it relates to their involvement in the procurement of goods through the supply chain. These groups include, but are not limited to, estimating, engineering, accounting, buying/planning, sales, and operations.
• Maintain integrity in supplier interaction.
• Support and participate in continuous improvement efforts.
• Adhere to established Policies, Critical Business practices (CBPs), Standards, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Adhere to established safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all associates.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned and required.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Associate degree with equivalent experience in purchasing or supply chain will be considered.

SKILL and KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Negotiation skills: ability to negotiate prices, contracts, and delivery terms with suppliers to achieve cost-effective purchasing.
• Analytical skills: Capable for analyzing purchasing data and trends to support decision-making and identify cost-savings opportunities.
• Strong organizational:  ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Communication skills: effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with suppliers and internal teams.
• Detail orientated: high degree of accuracy n processing orders and managing supplier relationships.
• Proactive problem solver with the ability to trouble shoot and resolve supplier-related issues.
• Strong customer service orientation with collaborative approach to working with internal departments, such as production, engineering and fnance.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment wand adapt to changing priorities.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles a plus.
• APICS or other supply chain certification is advantageous but not required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position has no supervisory responsibility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Office environment with occasional visits to the manufacturing floor. 
• The noise levels in the work environment are usually moderate. 
• Some travel may be required for training purposes.
  • Travel requirements are infrequent. 
  • Some travel may be required for vendor facility meetings and tours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Regularly required to sit or stand, reach, bend and move about the facility. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Architectural Framing Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Company. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Apogee and our brands are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.