Buyer

Primary Accountability:

As a Project Buyer, you are a key member of cross-functional project teams, responsible for procuring the materials, equipment, and services necessary for the successful execution of complex material handling and automation projects. You collaborate closely with Engineering, Project Management, and field teams to ensure that all purchases meet quality standards, align with project budgets, and are delivered on time to meet installation schedules. This role is critical in maintaining supplier relationships and driving procurement strategies that support operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project teams to understand detailed material, equipment, and subcontracted service requirements for each project.
• Issue and manage purchase orders and subcontracts through ERP systems, ensuring accuracy in scope, pricing, payment and delivery terms.
• Procure and coordinate on-site rentals, consumables, and services (e.g., waste disposal), and manage surplus material returns or disposals.
• Work with logistics providers and 3PLs to arrange transportation of materials, track shipments, and resolve delivery issues.
• Monitor supplier performance, lead times, and service levels; escalate risks and propose mitigations when needed.
• Resolve discrepancies in material quality, quantity, or documentation by coordinating with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors, helping assess their capabilities and grow long-term partnerships.
• When required, solicit bids and pricing from suppliers and subcontractors for equipment, materials, and services; analyze proposals for cost, compliance, and delivery feasibility.
• Participate in supplier selection and bid evaluations, collaborating with sourcing and project leadership as needed.
• Support continuous improvement efforts within the supply chain team to drive efficiency, cost savings, and risk reduction.
• Work cross-organizationally both internally and with parent company to maintain consistent purchasing processes and practices and to execute upon cross-company sourcing strategy.
• Work closely with Finance and Project Management to ensure appropriate milestone payments are agreed upon and determine resolution to invoice discrepancies.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

 

• Provide day-to-day oversight, support, and training to a Junior or Associate Buyer to ensure successful execution of purchasing tasks.
• Review and approve purchase orders and sourcing decisions made by the junior team member, offering guidance on best practices and escalation procedures.
• Assign and balance workloads across project needs to ensure timely and accurate procurement support.
• Serve as a point of contact for questions, coaching, and professional development of the junior buyer.
• Identify performance gaps and opportunities for improvement; provide feedback and input to Supply Chain leadership on training and development needs.

 

Qualifications & Skills:

• 4+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles; experience in construction, material handling, or industrial project environments preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor junior team members.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Teams); ERP system experience required.
• Familiarity with reading construction drawings and understanding project scopes of work is a plus.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage priorities across multiple projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Confident, solutions-oriented, and able to navigate challenging supplier conversations constructively.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to delivering outstanding internal and external customer service.

 

Physical Demands:

• Physically mobile with reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read computer screens, email and talk on the phone.
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, twist and grip items while working at assigned desk area.
• Ability to lift up to ten (10) pounds.

 

Work Environment:

• Remote or in person (Topeka, KS). Professional and deadline-oriented environment in an office setting.
• Interaction with team members and clients in both remote and on-site locations.
• Periodic weekend or evening work is expected in order to serve our active project operations.

 

Additional Duties:

Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position.  Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.

 

This job description is not exhaustive. Other duties may be assigned as needed, and responsibilities may evolve to support the business and employee experience.

 

About Us:

IMI Industrial has been providing millwright and fabrication services since 1986 and is known in the industry for our quality workmanship, dedication to safety, and strong client relationships. We’re a team of good people who think critically, work hard, and solve problems in an effort to exceed customer expectations.

We’re equally committed to creating an excellent employment experience for our team members. We work hard to hire and develop great people and build relationships, and we pride ourselves on our culture of safety and quality. We also aim to ensure that the programs and services we offer our team are among the best in the business. We offer competitive salaries, 401k, and health benefits as well as company holidays and competitive time-off plans.

Individuals seeking employment at IMI Industrial/Designed Conveyor Systems are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Accommodation is available to applicants with a disability condition, when applying, testing, or interviewing for a position. Please let us know if you need accommodation.