About the Role As a Buyer- Industrial Controls at Watlow, you'll play a key role in supporting the engineering of integrated systems across a variety of industries, including Glass, Heat Treat, Life Science, Food & Beverage, Plastics, and Water. You'll apply your expertise in sourcing industrial controls materials, equipment, and supplies to help deliver high-quality solutions at competitive costs. In this role, you'll independently manage internal purchasing requests, generate and oversee external purchase orders, and ensure timely delivery of goods and services. You'll use sound judgment to navigate outside standard procedures when needed and collaborate with cross-functional project teams and subcontractors to support the successful execution of control solutions. This position will be based out of our site in Ashburn, VA. Your Key Responsibilities * Manage procurement operations, including processing internal purchasing requests, generating orders, and tracking deliveries. * Source, negotiate, and purchase materials, equipment, and supplies to ensure cost-effective and high-quality sourcing. * Evaluate and manage supplier relationships, including performance reviews, corrective actions, and contract negotiations. * Resolve supplier issues, such as damage claims, returns, over-shipments, and engineering changes. * Optimize material flow and cost efficiency by coordinating supply chain processes and improving service levels. * Drive continuous improvement through participation in lean Kaizen events and waste reduction initiatives. * Collaborate with internal teams, including designers, engineers, and account managers, to align sourcing with project needs. * Ensure compliance with technical and quality standards, providing solutions for process optimization and problem resolution. Required Qualifications * Associate degree or technical certification with 3-5 years of relevant experience * Technical knowledge of industrial controls materials, equipment, and services * Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel Desired Qualifications * Experience in material management, MRP systems, pull systems, and lean concepts * Familiarity with ERP systems, experience using Oracle Fusion a plus * Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills * High attention to detail, follow-up, and customer service focus * Effective communication skills and a self-motivated work ethic