Senior Buyer
Samuel Merritt University
Fontana, CA · Posted November 4, 2026
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Rankings about operations jobs
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Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 33 open senior buyer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $97,000 to $115,000 and the median is $115,000.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
About the job
Responsibilities
Perform daily purchasing activities.
Collaborate and support cross functional teams to procure hand tools and components.
Make sound business purchasing decisions to maintain adequate stock levels.
Lead contract negotiations and supplier commercial discussions to achieve cost savings, favorable terms, and supply continuity.
Develop and implement sourcing strategies to achieve cost savings, improve supplier performance, and mitigate supply chain risks.
Manage supplier relationships and conduct regular performance reviews.
Analyze and challenge vendor on price increases to get the best value.
Project demands and determine purchase requirements using MRP reporting.
Oversee vendors by following up to ensure on time delivery.
Track and report monthly key spending and cost savings to management.
Resolve purchase price variations with cost accounting.
Create requisition in ERP for purchase approval.
Administer and update pricing, lead times, and vendor data in ERP.
Create purchase orders in ERP and submit them to approved vendors.
Generate and update product codes by working with respective entities.
Identify cost saving opportunities, launch RFQ, and execute assigned projects.
Confirm order lead times and delivery status and communicate to stakeholders.
Maintain meticulous purchasing and delivery records.
Other duties as assigned
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Management or Supply Chain Management, or relevant work experience.
Qualifications
Five (5) to ten (10) years of proven experience as a professional buyer
Business savvy and can comprehend financial impacts on buying decisions
Organized and can prioritize multiple tasks
Strong work ethics and willingness to complete tasks without time constraints
Strong contract negotiation skills with demonstrated success in achieving cost reductions and favorable supplier agreements.
Analytical and can assess data for making purchasing decisions
Ability to clearly present ideas to management, peers, and suppliers
Sound understanding of purchasing processes and incoterms
Effective written and oral communication skills
Good working knowledge of Microsoft office products, particularly Excel
Strong customer focus with ability to build internal and external relationship
Experience with MRP/ERP systems and inventory management practices
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position works in a manufacturing environment.
This position operates in an office environment
Involves: long periods of sitting; frequent stooping, and bending
This position routinely uses standard office equipment
The annual base salary range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000. If you are hired, your annual base pay will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full base pay range for the role.
#LI-RP1
At Samuel, we believe every team member brings unique and valuable skills, experiences and knowledge to our thriving business – enabling us to build on over 170 years of success in the metals industry. We offer countless opportunities for our team members to develop and grow in their careers, empower them to make decisions on the job and be a part of driving positive change – within our organization and in the communities where we live and work. If you’re seeking a dynamic, supportive and welcoming workplace to make your mark and grow your career, we have the programs, culture and opportunities to make it happen. We’re stronger together.
At Samuel we believe in a culture of equality. Respect and integrity are at our core. We are committed to building and creating an environment that is open and welcoming for everyone.
This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization
Samuel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In the United States, we utilize E-Verify.