Technical Buyer

Role Overview

This position is ideally suited to someone who is detail-oriented, can learn our component specifications, is willing to hold vendors accountable, and embraces new technology to accomplish more. You’ll be expected to make daily decisions about procurement and inventory optimizations, and to develop working relationships with our vendors.

This role has a significant impact on product quality and the success of our production.

You will be given accountability to vendor performance, inventory strategy, cost of goods, and purchasing across a complex mix of components and materials. From the start, you will also help us implement the Inventory and Purchasing modules of our new ERP system and will be central to future adoptions of technologies for our purchasing/inventory systems as we grow.

You will work closely with engineering and operations to ensure we have the right parts, at the right cost, at the right time—without excess inventory.

About Us

L&L Kiln Mfg supplies the world with electric kilns used by potters, schools, and industry alike. Founded in 1946 and hand-assembled right here in New Jersey, we are known for building the most reliable and innovative products in the industry, having always been driven by a strong commitment to longevity and repairability.

Accountabilities

Vendor Performance & Reliability

• Evaluate, develop, and replace suppliers
• Drive accountability on lead times, quality, and communication
• Build strong working relationships while holding vendors to high standards

Technical Sourcing

• Interpret drawings, specs, and product requirements
• Collaborate with engineering on sourcing strategy and spec changes
• Proactively identify alternative materials or suppliers to reduce cost or risk

Purchasing Execution

• Own purchase orders, expediting, and follow-through
• Ensure nothing falls through the cracks
• Consolidate and time orders for cost savings and inventory efficiency

Cost of Materials

• Negotiate pricing and terms
• Identify structural cost improvements and part consolidation (not just quote shopping) by fully understanding the application of components and materials

Inventory Optimization/Efficiency

• Reduce excess inventory without increasing stockouts
• Set and adjust stocking strategies based on demand and risk
• Work closely with warehouse/inventory to maintain accuracy and flow
• Implement and maintain ERP database of inventory

Role Objectives

• Noticeable reduction in Cost of Materials
• Improved vendor reliability and fewer late shipments or quality issues
• Lower inventory levels without causing stockouts
• Supply chain stability and proactive mitigation of sourcing problems

Who This Role Is For

• Someone who is highly detail-oriented
• Comfortable reading drawings, specs, and understanding how things are made
• Enjoys solving messy, real-world problems—not just following process
• Willing to own outcomes, not just complete tasks
• Comfortable pushing suppliers and making decisions with incomplete information

Salary Range: $75,000 – $85,000 per year, depending on experience level