Buyer

Location: Holland, Michigan, United States Job ID: R0146670 Date Posted: 2026-10-02 Company Name: J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Profession (Job Category): Customer Service & Contact Center Operations Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No Job Description: The Opportunity: JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we’re always looking to get stronger across North America, Europe, and Asia. Join us as a Buyer in Holland, MI as we work together to bring innovative automation solutions to life. Location Type: This position is onsite in Holland, MI. What We Offer: Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave Opportunity to work on customized, 1-of-1 automation projects A collaborative, engineering-driven environment Career growth and skill development opportunities A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter Work with cutting edge and innovative technologies Role Overview The Buyer role is responsible for managing end-to-end procurement activities for complex automation projects, ensuring materials and engineered components are sourced, negotiated, and delivered on time to support project schedules from kickoff through installation. The position partners closely with Engineering, Project Management, and suppliers to manage RFQs/RFPs, control costs, mitigate supply chain risks, and support successful project execution. Ideal candidates will have experience in manufacturing, automation, or engineered-to-order environments, strong technical aptitude, supplier negotiation skills, and the ability to interpret drawings, BOMs, and engineering specifications. How You’ll Make an Impact: Manage end-to-end project procurement from kickoff through FAT, shipment, and installation, ensuring alignment with project schedules and customer requirements. Lead RFQs/RFPs for complex automation components including robotics, mechatronics assemblies, conveyors, packaging systems, and controls hardware. Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms for low-volume, high-mix engineered components and custom assemblies. Read and interpret mechanical and controls drawings, BOMs, customer specifications, and revision updates to ensure accurate and compliant procurement. Monitor suppliers lead times, capacity, and delivery performance, proactively adjusting schedules to meet project milestones and mitigate risk. Partner with Project Management to track budgets, forecast procurement spend, and manage cost or schedule impacts. Support Strategic Sourcing in evaluating supplier performance across quality, delivery, responsiveness, and capability metrics. Drive cost-reduction initiatives through alternative sourcing, material substitutions, commercial negotiations, and value-engineering efforts. Support inventory strategy and material availability for standard components such as pneumatics, fasteners, sensors, drives, and safety hardware. Note: This list of responsibilities is inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities. What You’ll Bring: Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent professional experience will be considered. Procurement or sourcing experience in a manufacturing, automation, mechatronics, robotics, or engineered‑to‑order environment. Demonstrated experience managing project‑based purchasing from kickoff through installation or commissioning. Background purchasing low‑volume, high‑mix engineered components and custom assemblies is strongly preferred. Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems for purchase order management, lead time updates, supplier acknowledgments, and demand planning. Ability to read and interpret mechanical and controls drawi…

View the full posting and apply