ITW
Manufacturing Buyer - Tooling & Production Materials
ITW, Watertown, Wisconsin, United States, 53094
Job Description:
Business Description:
ITW Shakeproof Fasteners is a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW) which supplies cold headed & metal stamped fasteners totaling approximately $200M in revenue annually. Manufacturing/warehouse locations include Watertown, WI, Milwaukee, WI, Broadview, IL, Elgin, IL, Machesney Park, IL, and Iron Ridge, WI. We serve major OEMs and their tier suppliers direct and through distribution channels in the automotive and industrial markets. ITW Shakeproof Fasteners drives profitability by leveraging its innovative solutions and application engineering, allowing us to enhance our customers’ competitive advantage. Known for innovation, diversification, and excellent financial performance. We are never, whether we know it or not, more than a few steps from an innovative ITW solution.
Position Summary:
The
Manufacturing Buyer – Tooling & Production Materials
will be a hands-on, solutions-oriented professional to oversee inventory management and purchasing for our tool crib and other manufacturing materials in our fast-paced cold-heading plant located in Watertown, WI. This position requires being on-site, engaged with production and engineering teams, and directly contributing to plant performance.
This Manufacturing Buyer – Tooling & Production Materials is responsible for buying tooling parts and consumables while also designing and implementing a new buying process to strengthen efficiency, cost management, and supplier performance. The ideal candidate must be self-driven, energized by being part of the operations action, enjoys identifying and resolving problems in real time, and is motivated by making a measurable difference in how the plant runs.
Work Environment and Location Expectations:
This role is on-site at our Watertown, WI facility. Regular presence at the plant is essential to:
Build and maintain strong relationships with plant and operational leadership.
Fully understand production and operational drivers impacting business performance.
Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute meaningfully to continuous improvement initiatives.
Candidates must be local to the area or willing to relocate.
Key Responsibilities:
Purchase tooling and consumables for the plant; oversee tool crib and raw material inventory, ensuring availability to support production schedules.
Identify and evaluate suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and compliance.
Negotiate favorable terms including pricing, delivery schedules, and payment terms.
Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure consistent supply and performance.
Manages supplier relationships including negotiation and execution of Agreements.
Work closely with Production, Engineering and Supply Chain teams to align procurement with operational goals; directly responsible for achieving production cost improvement and inventory reduction goals.
Be visible on the plant floor, partnering with production, maintenance, and engineering to understand needs, resolve material shortages, and improve response times.
Develop and implement a standardized, technology-enabled buying process for tooling and related categories.
Work with operations to improve how materials flow from receiving to production, using ERP/MRP systems effectively.
Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, lead times, and quality expectations; track supplier performance.
Support continuous improvement projects across the supply chain and manufacturing, such as: Improve tool crib organization and transaction accuracy; Reduce excess inventory and improving inventory turns; and Enhance supplier performance monitoring.
Required Skill, Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably in manufacturing or plant-based environment.
Strong interest in being on-site and connected to daily operations.
Demonstrated ability to identify problems and implement process or technology improvements.
Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel; comfort with data analysis and reporting.
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with both shop-floor operators and external suppliers.
Experience supporting lean or continuous improvement projects a plus.
ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Business Description:
ITW Shakeproof Fasteners is a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW) which supplies cold headed & metal stamped fasteners totaling approximately $200M in revenue annually. Manufacturing/warehouse locations include Watertown, WI, Milwaukee, WI, Broadview, IL, Elgin, IL, Machesney Park, IL, and Iron Ridge, WI. We serve major OEMs and their tier suppliers direct and through distribution channels in the automotive and industrial markets. ITW Shakeproof Fasteners drives profitability by leveraging its innovative solutions and application engineering, allowing us to enhance our customers’ competitive advantage. Known for innovation, diversification, and excellent financial performance. We are never, whether we know it or not, more than a few steps from an innovative ITW solution.
Position Summary:
The
Manufacturing Buyer – Tooling & Production Materials
will be a hands-on, solutions-oriented professional to oversee inventory management and purchasing for our tool crib and other manufacturing materials in our fast-paced cold-heading plant located in Watertown, WI. This position requires being on-site, engaged with production and engineering teams, and directly contributing to plant performance.
This Manufacturing Buyer – Tooling & Production Materials is responsible for buying tooling parts and consumables while also designing and implementing a new buying process to strengthen efficiency, cost management, and supplier performance. The ideal candidate must be self-driven, energized by being part of the operations action, enjoys identifying and resolving problems in real time, and is motivated by making a measurable difference in how the plant runs.
Work Environment and Location Expectations:
This role is on-site at our Watertown, WI facility. Regular presence at the plant is essential to:
Build and maintain strong relationships with plant and operational leadership.
Fully understand production and operational drivers impacting business performance.
Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute meaningfully to continuous improvement initiatives.
Candidates must be local to the area or willing to relocate.
Key Responsibilities:
Purchase tooling and consumables for the plant; oversee tool crib and raw material inventory, ensuring availability to support production schedules.
Identify and evaluate suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and compliance.
Negotiate favorable terms including pricing, delivery schedules, and payment terms.
Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure consistent supply and performance.
Manages supplier relationships including negotiation and execution of Agreements.
Work closely with Production, Engineering and Supply Chain teams to align procurement with operational goals; directly responsible for achieving production cost improvement and inventory reduction goals.
Be visible on the plant floor, partnering with production, maintenance, and engineering to understand needs, resolve material shortages, and improve response times.
Develop and implement a standardized, technology-enabled buying process for tooling and related categories.
Work with operations to improve how materials flow from receiving to production, using ERP/MRP systems effectively.
Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, lead times, and quality expectations; track supplier performance.
Support continuous improvement projects across the supply chain and manufacturing, such as: Improve tool crib organization and transaction accuracy; Reduce excess inventory and improving inventory turns; and Enhance supplier performance monitoring.
Required Skill, Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably in manufacturing or plant-based environment.
Strong interest in being on-site and connected to daily operations.
Demonstrated ability to identify problems and implement process or technology improvements.
Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel; comfort with data analysis and reporting.
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with both shop-floor operators and external suppliers.
Experience supporting lean or continuous improvement projects a plus.
ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.