Junior Buyer

The Junior Buyer will support the procurement of materials, components and equipment for Optikos. The Junior Buyer assists with day-to-day purchasing activities, purchase order management, supplier communications, and maintaining accurate purchasing records to support the company’s manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, motivated, and eager to develop their purchasing and supply chain skills in a manufacturing environment. They will possess strong communication skills, working effectively with internal departments, vendors, and business contacts in a courteous and professional manner. Roles and Responsibilities: Purchase components, custom parts, mechanical and electromechanical assemblies, and optical-related materials from approved domestic and international suppliers. Generate and maintain purchase orders, monitor order status, and follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery. Assist with supplier communications regarding lead times, pricing, order acknowledgments, and shipment schedules. Support manufacturing, engineering, quality, and production teams by helping expedite or de-expedite purchase orders as business needs change. Maintain accurate purchasing data within the ERP system, including supplier information, pricing, lead times, and purchase order records. Prepare cost sheets for quoting volume manufacturing and support pricing analysis activities. Assist in obtaining supplier quotations and comparing pricing, lead times, and commercial terms. Support inventory management activities by monitoring material availability and assisting with replenishment planning. Coordinate with the Quality department regarding nonconforming materials and supplier corrective actions. Assist with vendor documentation requests and maintain supplier records in accordance with company procedures. Support compliance with ISO requirements and purchasing department procedures. Participate in cost savings initiatives through supplier negotiations, quote analysis, and process improvements. Work collaboratively with Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and other departments to support operational objectives. Perform administrative purchasing activities, including report generation, file maintenance, and recordkeeping. Skills and Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered. 1-3 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience preferred. Experience in a manufacturing environment is a plus. Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and purchasing processes. Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with suppliers and internal teams. Ability to analyze pricing, supplier quotations, and purchasing data. Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical components, and electronics is a plus. Willingness to learn supplier management, inventory planning, and procurement best practices. APICS, CPIM, CSCP, or other supply chain certifications are a plus but not required. About Optikos: For more than 40 years, Optikos® has provided innovative applications of optical technology, both products and services, to commercial, government, and consumer products organizations worldwide. The Optikos engineering team is the largest independent optical engineering group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics, electronics, and software systems, in addition to our in-house IQ Lab™ Services to benchmark and assess the performance of customer lens or camera systems. We develop innovative products in the life sciences, aerospace and defense, industrial, and consumer …

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