Demand Buyer

Job Description

Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere.

This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels, we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.

Job Description:

Illuminate USA is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Buyer to join our Global Integrated Supply Chain (ISC) team. This role plays a critical part in supporting the sourcing, procurement, and delivery of materials and services essential to our operations. The Buyer will collaborate closely with planning, engineering, quality, and logistics teams as well as key suppliers to ensure optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance.

This is a dynamic opportunity for a motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is eager to drive efficiency, build strong supplier relationships, and contribute to the success of our expanding operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Procure materials, equipment, components, and services to support production and operational needs

• Review requisitions and issue purchase orders in a timely and accurate manner

• Partner with suppliers to maintain critical supply chain information pricing, lead times, availability, and delivery schedules

• Review bids and negotiate contracts within budget and scope of authority

• Coordinate closely with suppliers and logistics to ensure continuity of supply and timely deliveries

• Maintain and monitor open purchase orders, ensuring data accuracy and on-time fulfillment

• Track supplier performance and ensure compliance with contracts, agreements, and company procurement policies

• Keep accurate procurement records including costs, delivery, quality, and inventory impact

• Collaborate with internal teams to resolve issues with defective goods or services, using proper RMA procedures

• Resolve discrepancies between purchase orders and invoices, and manage procure-to-pay issues

• Proactively identify cost-saving opportunities through supplier negotiation on pricing, terms, and delivery

• Assist with ad hoc procurement projects and support additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field, or equivalent relevant experience

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial procurement environment

• Familiarity with ERP systems (NetSuite experience preferred)

• Solid understanding of inventory management principles (e.g., safety stock, carrying costs, obsolescence)

• Proven negotiation and vendor management skills

• High attention to detail and organizational skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Ability to work flexible hours to support international teams when needed

• Bilingual abilities are a plus

• Limited travel required

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward.

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.