Maintenance Buyer

Company DescriptionAt Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don't hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.We're everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren't buzzwords, they're expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brandsJack Link's, Lorissa's Kitchen, Golden Island, BiFi, and Peperami and KOOEE! to name a fewthere's nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that's full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.Job DescriptionThe Maintenance Buyer is responsible for the strategic procurement and management of Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) materials supporting a highly automated USDA-regulated beef stick manufacturing facility. This role manages a multi-million-dollar annual R&M budget and ensures uninterrupted plant operations by maintaining optimal inventory levels, supplier performance, and cost control across critical spare parts, consumables, and services.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & Supplier ManagementDevelop category strategies for high-spend MRO segments (e.g., automation components, OEM parts, electrical, controls, packaging systems).Balance OEM vs. aftermarket sourcing to optimize cost without increasing downtime risk.Build redundancy in critical supply chains (dual sourcing for high-risk/long-lead items).Establish and manage supplier scorecards:On-Time-In-Full (OTIF)Lead time adherenceQuality/reject ratesResponsiveness during downtime eventsNegotiate long-term agreements (LTAs), blanket POs, and consignment programs to reduce working capital and expedite availability.Manage vendor escalation during line-down events (expedited freight, priority production, aftermarket solutions).Critical Spare Parts Strategy & Inventory OptimizationLead criticality analysis with Maintenance & Reliability:Identify zero-fail components (PLC cards, drives, robotics, proprietary OEM parts).Define stocking strategy: on-site, regional, vendor-managed, or non-stock.Set and continuously refine:Min/Max levelsSafety stock based on failure rates and lead timesReorder points tied to usage patterns and predictive maintenance insightsEliminate obsolete and duplicate SKUs while standardizing parts across lines where possible.Implement kitting strategies for:Preventive Maintenance (PMs)Planned shutdownsImprove inventory accuracy and cycle counting discipline (98% target in high-performing plants).Maintenance & Reliability IntegrationAct as embedded partner to Maintenance, Reliability Engineers, and Planners:Align procurement with weekly/daily maintenance schedulesPre-stage parts for planned work vs. reactive purchasingSupport predictive and condition-based maintenance programs:Ensure availability of failure-prone components before predicted end-of-lifeParticipate in root cause failure analysis (RCFA):Identify recurring part failures and sourcing alternativesRecommend higher reliability or upgraded componentsCoordinate materials for shutdowns, capital installs, and line expansions:Sequencing deliveries to match project timelinesPreventing overbuying or last-minute shortagesBudget Ownership & Cost ManagementDirectly manage MRO procurement tied to a multi-million-dollar R&M budget with clear accountability for:Cost containmentSpend visibilitySavings deliveryIdentify and execute cost levers:Vendor consolidationSpecification standardizationCross-plant leverage (if applicable)Repair vs. replace analysisUse of local/regional suppliers vs. OEM pricingTrack and report:Monthly spend vs. budgetPPV (Purchase Price Variance)Cost avoidance vs. realized savingsChallenge emergencies and spot buys that drive price premiums and freight costs.High-Uptime / Rapid Response ProcurementOperate with urgency in a 24/7, high-speed automated facility where downtime costs are significant:Rapid sourcing and logistics coordination for critical breakdown eventsIdentify nearest available inventory (distributors, sister plants, brokers)Maintain ready-now sourcing playbooks for:Motors, drives, sensors, PLC componentsRobotics and high-value automation partsCoordinate expedited shipping, hot-shot delivery, and vendor field service when needed.Maintain after-hours supplier contact lists and escalation protocols.Systems, Data & Process DisciplineOwn integrity of MRO data in ERP/CMMS:Accurate part numbers, descriptions, BOM alignmentSupplier records and pricing updatesLeverage system tools for:Spend analyticsDemand forecastingInventory optimization modelingImprove purchasing workflows:Reduce PR-to-PO cycle timeIncrease automation (blanket orders, catalogs)Drive standard work for:RequisitionsEmergency purchasesVendor onboardingCompliance, Food Safety & Risk ManagementEnsure all purchased materials meet:USDA and FDA requirementsFood-grade/sanitary design standards where applicableValidate suppliers against:Food safety and quality expectationsDocumentation requirements (COAs, traceability)Support audit readiness (USDA, SQF, BRC):Maintain organized procurement recordsEnsure traceability on critical materialsManage risk related to:Supply disruptionsCounterfeit or non-spec partsNon-compliant materials entering the facilityContinuous Improvement & Operational ExcellenceLead or support initiatives that improve:Equipment uptime through parts availabilityInventory turns and working capital efficiencyIdentify automation or digital enhancements:VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory)Barcode/RFID trackingPredictive inventory linked to IIoT dataBenchmark against industry best practices in MRO procurement.Drive cross-functional alignment between Procurement, Maintenance, Engineering, and Finance.Cross-Functional Leadership & CommunicationServe as the single point of contact for all MRO procurement activities within the plant.Translate operational needs (maintenance urgency) into procurement actions and priorities.Communicate trade-offs clearly:Cost vs. uptime riskLead time vs. stocking costInfluence without authority across Maintenance, Operations, and Finance.What Great Looks Like in This RoleZero production downtime attributable to parts unavailabilityProactive (not reactive) material readiness for maintenance workMeasurable cost savings year-over-year without increasing riskLean, accurate storeroom with high service levelsStrong supplier partnerships that respond immediately in crisesQualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).5+ years of MRO purchasing experience in manufacturing (food, beverage, or CPG strongly preferred).Experience managing large-scale R&M budgets ($5M+ preferred).Strong knowledge of industrial components (motors, conveyors, PLCs, pneumatics, robotics, packaging equipment).Proficiency in ERP/CMMS systems and Microsoft Excel (advanced level).PreferredExperience in USDA-regulated or food manufacturing environments.Familiarity with automation systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, robotics systems).CPIM, CPM, CPSM, or similar certification.Key CompetenciesStrategic sourcing & negotiationInventory optimization in high-uptime environmentsCross-functional collaboration (Maintenance, Engineering, Operations)Analytical & financial acumenSense of urgency and operational prioritizationVendor performance managementSuccess MetricsReduction in equipment downtime due to parts availabilityInventory turns and working capital optimizationAchievement of annual cost savings targetsSupplier OTIF and lead time performanceAudit compliance and documentation accuracyAdditional InformationThe pay range for this role is $67k - $73k (Annual). Actual wage will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link's Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link's provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc.), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head. The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product. WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area. Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.EEO Statement:Jack Link's provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.Jack Link's is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For information about the E-Verify program, please visit: job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by team members in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of team members performing this role.