Position Description

Modine Manufacturing in Franklin, WI is looking for an individual who will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing all goods and services required to support plant operations. This role ensures the plant has the tools, supplies, services, and equipment necessary to operate efficiently while optimizing cost, quality, delivery, and supplier performance. The Buyer partners closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, EHS, Facilities, Finance, and Corporate Procurement.

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing & Procurement

· Source, evaluate, and purchase indirect materials and services, including MRO supplies, tooling, safety equipment, facilities services, IT/office supplies, equipment rentals, outside services, and contract labor.

· Develop and manage RFQs, competitive bids, and supplier selection based on total cost of ownership (TCO).

· Maintain accurate purchase orders in SAP (or applicable ERP system), ensuring proper coding, pricing, delivery dates, and documentation.

Supplier Management

· Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable delivery, service quality, and fast issue resolution.

· Monitor supplier performance (delivery, cost, quality) and implement corrective actions when needed.

· Identify and qualify new suppliers when required to improve cost, service, or lead times.

· Ensure compliance with vendor onboarding, safety requirements, insurance, and contract obligations.

Operational Support

· Work closely with Maintenance and Facilities teams to procure spare parts, repair services, calibration services, and equipment components.

· Support Production, Engineering, and EHS teams by ensuring timely supply of consumables, PPE, tooling, and specialized services.

· Expedite urgent orders to minimize downtime and ensure continuity of plant operations.

· Partner with Finance to resolve invoice discrepancies, pricing mismatches, and goods-receipt issues.

Cost, Data & Inventory Management

· Track cost savings, supplier spend, lead-time improvements, and contract utilization.

· Identify cost-reduction opportunities through supplier consolidation, standardization of materials/services, and strategic sourcing.

· Monitor inventory levels for critical MRO items and collaborate with storeroom teams to prevent shortages.

· Maintain accurate sourcing data, pricing, and supplier information in SAP/ERP.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

· Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and regulatory standards.

· Support audits and documentation for ISO/IATF, EHS, Facilities, and Finance.

· Drive process improvements in indirect purchasing, vendor management, and plant support workflows.

· Participate in cross-functional Kaizen/continuous-improvement events to enhance purchasing efficiency and reduce waste.

· Do other jobs as required to assure internal and external customer satisfaction.

Required Education & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field — or equivalent work experience.

· 2+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience (preferably in manufacturing).

· Proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems.

· Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred

· Experience purchasing MRO/Indirect materials.

· Familiarity with ISO/IATF manufacturing environments.

· Knowledge of supplier contract management and TCO principles.

· Experience supporting maintenance, facilities, or engineering departments.

Key Competencies

· Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

· High sense of urgency and ownership

· Supplier management and negotiation

· Data accuracy and attention to detail

· Collaboration across departments

· Cost-reduction mindset

· Ability to build internal/external partnerships

Have an understanding of TS 16949 and ISO 14001 and how it relates to the materials group would also be beneficial.