Hybrid Buyer I - Fabrication at Sherman and Reilly Inc

Description

Position Summary

The Buyer – Fabrication is responsible for the procurement of raw materials, fabricated components, and subcontracted services used in the production of heavy utility equipment and stringing accessories. This role demands technical understanding, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong supplier engagement mindset.

Reporting Relationships

This position will report to the Purchasing Manager. This position must work closely with Sourcing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations, act as a liaison between functional areas, and interface effectively with all levels and departments within the organization.

Primary Responsibilities

• Source and manage raw materials and fabricated parts including but not limited to: sawcut or lasered components, steel weldments, machined components, assemblies, and structural elements.
• Interpret technical drawings, GD&T, and material specifications to ensure accurate and appropriate sourcing.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Sourcing teams to evaluate designs, suggest improvements for manufacturability, and support value engineering initiatives.
• Partner with suppliers to analyze part complexity, reduce unnecessary features, and standardize materials or processes where possible.
• Lead negotiations on cost, lead time, and payment terms while maintaining positive supplier relationships.
• Proactively manage the purchase order lifecycle from issuance through delivery, including expediting, rescheduling, and resolving issues.
• Monitor supplier performance and participate in business reviews, supplier visits, audits, and quality improvement efforts.
• Support the onboarding and qualification of new suppliers with appropriate fabrication capabilities.
• Maintain accurate material master data for assigned commodities, including material and finish type, lead times, pricing, procurement type, and supplier assignments.
• Resolve and prevent invoice discrepancies by working closely with accounts payable and suppliers, ensuring timely payment and PO alignment.
• Assist in return management, including coordination of Return Material Authorizations (RMAs), credit processing, and logistics.
• Use ERP tools to maintain accurate records of purchasing activities, delivery timelines, pricing, and vendor performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; or equivalent industry experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in a buyer or sourcing role with direct responsibility for fabricated or machined components.
• Solid understanding of fabrication methods: welding, machining, forming, surface finishing, coatings, and raw material processing.
• Comfortable reading technical drawings and interpreting engineering requirements.
• Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations and performance management.
• Experience using ERP systems (e.g., SAP ByDesign) and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate cross-functional input.
• Must be willing to travel up to 15% of the time to supplier/manufacturing facilities. 
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience sourcing components for mobile or heavy equipment.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) practices.
• Working knowledge of GD&T.