Purchasing/Buyer

The Buyer manages day-to-day purchasing of raw materials, fabricated components, hardware, and operational supplies supporting Freeberg's metal fabrication and assembly operations. The role places and manages purchase orders, negotiates price, delivery, and terms with suppliers, and works closely with Production Control, Engineering, Quality, and Receiving to resolve material issues and maintain accurate ERP data. This is a leveled position with increasing commodity responsibility, negotiation authority, and independence at each level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Purchase Order Management & Negotiation

• Review MRP-generated requisitions and buyer action messages daily; place and release purchase orders in alignment with the master production schedule, verifying drawing requirements, specs, quantity, delivery, and pricing.

• Expedite open orders and resolve acknowledgement discrepancies with suppliers.

• Negotiate pricing, delivery, lead times, and terms at the level appropriate to the assigned classification; obtain and evaluate competitive quotations on total cost of ownership.

• Build and maintain supplier relationships, communicating engineering and schedule changes clearly and promptly.

Material Availability & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Monitor material availability daily, escalating shortages or delivery risks to the Purchasing Manager and Production Control.

• Align PO delivery dates with the production schedule; partner with the Material Handler and Receiving to resolve discrepancies and damaged/short shipments.

• Coordinate with Engineering on specifications, substitutions, and new part qualification; support Quality on supplier nonconformances, RMAs, and corrective actions.

ERP Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, and part records in the ERP system; enter POs, receipts, and changes to support MRP integrity.

• Prepare purchasing reports (open orders, past-due, PPV, supplier performance) and maintain organized PO and supplier documentation.

• Follow company purchasing policies and authorization limits; support ISO 9001:2015, DFARS specialty metals, and (where applicable) AS9100 compliance; identify cost-savings and process-improvement opportunities.

• Will work with a larger team in California

Qualifications

Required (All Levels)

• High school diploma or GED; associate or bachelor’s degree required for Sr. Buyer.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications sufficient to evaluate supplier quotations.

• Working knowledge of manufacturing operations and ERP/MRP systems for PO management and supplier data.

• Strong negotiation, communication, organizational, and Excel/MS Office skills appropriate to the assigned level.

Legally authorized to work in the U.S. (E-Verify compliant)

Will be hired through VOLT staffing agency for 90 days-with full benefits starting after 2 months of Freeberg onboarding

Must pass drug test and background check

Rate- $25-$35 per hour depending on experience

Preferred

• Experience buying sheet metal, structural metal, or discrete components in metal fabrication/industrial manufacturing.

• APICS/ASCM (CPIM, CSCP) or ISM CPSM certification (Buyer and Sr. Buyer).

• AS9100/aerospace, NADCAP, or DFARS specialty metals procurement experience

• (If Sr. Buyer).

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Kanban, or supplier-managed inventory; ISO 9001/AS9100 experience.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in an office environment adjacent to the production floor, with regular visits to Receiving, the shop floor, and occasional supplier facilities. Frequent interaction with Production Control, Engineering, Quality, and suppliers is required. Standard business hours apply, with occasional extended hours to expedite critical materials. Physical demands are typical of an office/light manufacturing environment, including walking the production floor and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds.

Freeberg Industrial Fabrication LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 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.

Check our website www.freeberg.com is an H&S company!!