The MRO Buyer is responsible for the procurement, replenishment, and management of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies across Reader Precision Solutions. This role ensures uninterrupted production by maintaining optimal inventory levels of tooling, consumables, PPE, and shop supplies. The MRO Buyer collaborates closely with production, quality, materials, facilities, and external suppliers to ensure tooling availability, cost control, and operational efficiency in a high-tech Swiss screw and CNC machining environment.

Shift Schedule: Monday - Friday: 6:30AM - 3:00PM

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Tooling & Tool Crib Management

• Replenish tooling through the tool crib matrix system to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Establish, monitor, and adjust tooling min/max levels based on usage trends and production demand.
• Special order tooling as required for new jobs, engineering changes, or unique applications.
• Work with vendors on special-use, trial, or prototype tooling.
• Source alternative tools/equipment when availability issues arise with current suppliers.
• Communicate proactively with suppliers regarding lead times, backorders, and availability concerns.
• Request and manage expedites when necessary to prevent downtime.

Consumables & PPE Management

• Manage procurement and inventory levels of consumables, including PPE and shop supplies.
• Source and purchase maintenance and repair components to ensure equipment uptime and minimize operational downtime.
• Evaluate PPE requirements in partnership with operators and department leaders to ensure safety compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Set up and manage Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs where appropriate.
• Monitor consumable spend and identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, or discrepancies.
• Address and escalate any pricing, supply, or usage concerns impacting operational budgets.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with the Materials team to ensure timely and accurate receiving of purchase orders.
• Partner with Facilities to procure cleaning agents and building maintenance consumables.
• Learn and support raw material purchasing functions as backup when needed.
• Develop working knowledge of outside processing services and provide backup support as required.
• Maintain strong working relationships across Purchasing, Production, Quality, Materials, and Facilities departments.

Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery timelines, and terms when applicable.
• Evaluate supplier performance related to cost, quality, and delivery.
• Identify and qualify new vendors to ensure continuity of supply and competitive pricing.

Additional Responsibilities

• Monitor overall MRO spend and provide reporting or recommendations to leadership.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to purchasing processes and inventory control.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational needs.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field is strongly desired.
• 3+ years of purchasing, supply chain, or MRO buying experience is preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment strongly recommended (machine shop experience a plus).
• Strong organizational and inventory management skills.
• Ability to analyze usage trends and adjust inventory levels accordingly.
• Effective communication and vendor negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel required).
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple requests in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset.
• High level of accountability and attention to detail.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

The physical and environmental characteristics listed below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these duties.

• This position is primarily office-based and requires prolonged periods of sitting while working on a computer, phone, or documentation.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, standing and walking throughout the shift.
• Lifting requirements of office materials, files, or small parts up to 25 pounds.
• Vision corrected to 20/20 for close distance, with adequate peripheral vision and depth perception.

Benefits & perks of joining the Reader Precision Solutions team include:

RPS team members enjoy a challenging & fast-paced work environment in a high-tech manufacturing facility named the 35th & 37th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. Our work environment is extremely clean, well lit, organized (5S), & climate-controlled. In addition, our team thrives in a supportive culture that provides engaged leadership, ongoing recognition for performance results, and a great benefits package.

• Competitive wages (paid weekly on Thursday's)
• 8% of base pay shift differential (2nd & 3rd shift)
• Benefits begin the month following 30 days of employment: health insurance with points based, holistic wellness program, dental, life, & disability insurance
• Partnership with a near site local clinic for FREE health services including primary & preventative care, walk in visits, labs, prescriptions, etc.
• FREE vision insurance!
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4.5% company match (immediately vested!)
• Vacation accrual starts upon hire - accrue up to 2.5 weeks in first year!
• 9 paid holidays with up to two discretionary holidays
• Education assistance up to $5,250 annually (after 12 months of service)
• Professional development opportunities – internal & external (cross-departmental training, PMPA conferences, IMTS-Chicago, local technical colleges/universities, & more…)
• Career advancement – ongoing training & mentoring with opportunity to grow your skills
• Performance bonus – potential to receive a discretionary year-end bonus based on individual and group performance
• Company paid Short-Term Disability policy
• Company events – team lunches, summer picnic event, holiday party
• Company zoo pass to Milwaukee County Zoo
• Voluntary pet insurance
• Holistic wellness program – earn up to $700 in incentives through points accumulation for accomplishing a variety of wellness activities. Also offered by the Company are employer paid onsite flu shots, biometric screenings, free health coaching & MUCH more!
• Employer paid life insurance – $50,000 policy with options for voluntary life up to $400,000 benefit maximum
• Financial planning resources & onsite financial wellness workshops
• Employer subsidized work shoes & safety glasses program
• Reader Precision Solutions branded attire – $100 annual allowance
• Employee Referral bonus – $1,000
• Satisfying work…leaving work at the end of the day knowing that the GREAT work you do is meaningful and appreciated by the Company, our clients, and end users who benefit from the high-quality components we manufacture for them!

With the right mix of drive, commitment to excellence, & consistent performance, you will have the opportunity to further develop your skills in different areas with increasing responsibilities & rewards!

Reader Precision Solutions Four Pillars: Innovation, Empowerment, Integrity & Respect

• Innovation – we apply creative solutions to exceed expectations internally and externally. We deliver creative solutions by pursuing continuous improvement, challenging the limits of conventional thinking to drive positive change, and engaging our clients to achieve synergy.
• Empowerment – we equip our employees to succeed. We nurture success by setting realistic goals and standards; with accountability and regular performance feedback, providing training opportunities for growth and learning and offering employees a safe and modern work environment.
• Integrity – our reputation is everything. We preserve and enhance our reputation by operating with the highest ethical standards, focusing on client needs, and contributing positively to our community and environment.
• Respect – we act with honor in all our interactions. In our interactions, we accept and value individual differences, work together with a positive attitude and promote open and honest communication in a team-based environment.

Reader Precision Solutions is a premier contract manufacturer of precision machined components, delivering high-quality, mission-critical solutions across a wide range of industries and applications. With decades of expertise, Reader Precision operates under a comprehensive turnkey manufacturing model, offering end-to-end control from early supplier involvement and engineering collaboration to full-scale production, precision finishing, and logistics management.

This integrated approach ensures exceptional quality, reliability, and responsiveness for clients in the military & weapons systems, dental & healthcare, defense & tactical, flow control, and specialty markets. Reader Precision Solutions proudly serves a diverse customer base across North America and Europe.

To discover why Reader Precision Solutions is the first choice for our partners, and an employer of choice, visit our website: https://readerprecision.com.