Senior Buyer
Hydraulic Technologies | Rockford, IL
Help Keep Manufacturing Moving
At Hydraulic Technologies, every component matters. Every supplier relationship matters. Every delivery matters.
We're looking for a highly motivated Buyer who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex supply chain challenges. If you're analytical, proactive, and passionate about driving operational excellence, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact on production performance, customer satisfaction, and business growth.
In this role, you'll be more than a purchaser. You'll be a key supply chain partner, collaborating across Planning, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Customer Service to ensure the right materials are available at the right time while continuously improving supplier performance and inventory effectiveness.
What You'll Do
Drive Purchasing Excellence
- Manage the day-to-day procurement of materials and services that support production and customer commitments.
- Create, issue, and manage purchase orders while ensuring supplier compliance with delivery requirements.
- Track supplier performance and proactively address delivery issues before they impact operations.
- Expedite critical materials to keep production schedules on track.
- Resolve shortages, pricing discrepancies, invoicing concerns, and supplier communication challenges.
Be a Strategic Supply Chain Partner
- Work closely with Planning, Operations, and Customer Service to align purchasing activities with production priorities.
- Identify material shortages and supply risks and develop solutions before they become business problems.
- Help optimize inventory levels while maintaining material availability to meet customer demand.
- Participate in cross-functional planning discussions and business reviews.
Improve Supplier Performance
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Monitor supplier quality, responsiveness, lead times, and delivery performance.
- Support supplier development initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
- Help identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve processes, and increase operational efficiency.
Turn Data into Decisions
- Analyze purchasing, inventory, and supplier performance data.
- Maintain accurate information within SAP and other business systems.
- Generate reports and provide insights that support informed business decisions.
- Contribute to supply chain performance improvements through data-driven problem solving.
What Success Looks Like
You'll make an impact by helping improve:
- Supplier quality performance
- On-time delivery
- Inventory effectiveness
- Reduction of expedited shipments
- Cost savings initiatives
- Overall SQDC performance (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost)
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
- 2+ years of supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of inventory management, safety stock strategies, and replenishment practices.
- Experience working with ERP/MES systems.
- Advanced analytical skills and strong Excel proficiency.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in hydraulic, aerospace, automotive, or other high-mix manufacturing environments.
- SAP experience.
- Power BI experience.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Theory of Constraints (TOC), and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP).
The Traits That Will Help You Thrive
We're looking for someone who is:
- A problem solver who can navigate constraints and find practical solutions.
- Comfortable prioritizing competing demands in a dynamic environment.
- A strong communicator and negotiator.
- Detail-oriented with exceptional data accuracy.
- Committed to continuous improvement.
- Able to influence outcomes and build partnerships across teams.
Why Hydraulic Technologies?
At Hydraulic Technologies, you'll join a team that values: Quality. Accountability. Collaboration. Continuous Improvement.
You'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges, build strong supplier partnerships, and directly influence manufacturing performance in an organization committed to operational excellence.
Why You'll Love Working Here
At Hydraulic Technologies, we believe our employees are our greatest asset. In addition to meaningful work and opportunities to make an impact, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and future.
Benefits & Perks
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Generous 401(k) Employer Match
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Career Development and Growth Opportunities
- Collaborative, Team-Oriented Culture
- Stable Manufacturing Environment with Long-Term Career Potential
- Additional Voluntary Benefits Available
Equal Opportunity Employer
Hydraulic Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Ready to help shape the future of manufacturing supply chains? We'd love to hear from you.
