ABOUT BUCKEYE FIRE EQUIPMENT
Buckeye Fire Equipment is a leading manufacturer of portable fire extinguishers and suppression systems, trusted by fire protection professionals, industrial facilities, and government agencies for over 58 years. Our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation drives every aspect of our operations — and our procurement team plays a critical role in sustaining that standard.
POSITION SUMMARY
Buckeye Fire Equipment is seeking an experienced, results-driven Strategic Buyer to join our Supply Chain team on a full-time, onsite basis. This role is central to our procurement operations and requires a proven professional who can demonstrate measurable cost savings, optimize inventory performance, and build strong supplier partnerships. The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of hands-on buying experience and a track record of delivering quantifiable impact in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Procurement & Sourcing
- Manage end-to-end procurement of direct and indirect materials including raw materials, components, and MRO supplies
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies that drive measurable cost reductions year-over-year
- Conduct competitive bidding, RFQs, and supplier negotiations to secure best-in-class pricing and terms
- Evaluate and qualify new suppliers in alignment with quality, cost, delivery, and sustainability objectives
Inventory Optimization
- Analyze demand patterns and lead times to establish and maintain optimal safety stock and reorder points
- Implement inventory reduction strategies without compromising service levels or production continuity
- Collaborate with production planning and warehouse teams to align purchasing activity with operational needs
- Monitor and report on key inventory KPIs including turns, days on hand, and excess/obsolete exposure
Supplier Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, conducting regular business reviews and performance evaluations
- Drive supplier development initiatives focused on quality improvement, lead-time reduction, and cost competitiveness
- Resolve supply disruptions proactively, maintaining continuity of supply to the production floor
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams on new product introductions and material change requests
- Support Finance with accurate purchase price variance (PPV) tracking and budget forecasting
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethical sourcing standards, and regulatory requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in a Buyer or Senior Buyer role within a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Demonstrated, quantifiable success in cost savings initiatives — candidates must be prepared to present specific examples and metrics
- Proven track record of inventory optimization, including reductions in excess inventory, improved turns, or safety stock rationalization
- Deep knowledge of procurement best practices, sourcing methodologies, and supplier negotiation techniques
- Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data, supplier performance metrics, and inventory reports
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings to leadership
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- CPM, CPSM, or APICS (CPIM/CSCP) certification strongly preferred
- Experience in fire protection, safety equipment, or other regulated manufacturing industries
- Background in lean manufacturing or supply chain continuous improvement initiatives
- Experience managing multi-site or global supply chains
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Within your first year, you will have established trusted supplier relationships, identified and begun executing a pipeline of cost savings opportunities, and implemented inventory controls that measurably improve turns and reduce excess stock. You will be a go-to resource for supply chain decision-making across the organization and a visible contributor to Buckeye's operational performance.
