Buyer at Federal Signal Corporation in University Park, Illinois

Job Description:

Federal Signal is currently looking for a Buyer at our University Park Location. The Buyer will be responsible for the coordination and execution of activities involved in the daily tactical management for the components related to assigned commodities.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Daily management of commodities by assigned supplier including processing, expediting, maintaining MRP messages for all purchase orders.


• ECR responsibilities for commodities assigned including authorizing via signature, coordinating use up or last time buy activities when applicable, and follow up to insure a successful ECR implementation.


• Support, implement and sometimes develop cost reduction plans for assigned commodities and suppliers including negotiations, quoting, supplier consolidations, and long-term agreements/contracts.


• Participate on projects via cross functional teams internally and externally to complete an assigned task.


• Develop long term supplier relationships that are mutually beneficial to Federal Signal and the Supplier. Maintain an up-to-date understanding of supply constraints, and suggest strategies to mitigate risks.


• Support and implement a supplier continuous improvement plan when necessary.


• Solicit and evaluate quotations and competitive bidding for parts, materials and services.


• Maintain accurate documentation / records for metrics reporting.


• Conduct business reviews with suppliers as needed.


• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Procurement, Supply Chain or related field preferred or equivalent work experience in procurement in a manufacturing or supply chain environment required.  APICS or CPSM certifications preferred.


• 2 years of related procurement experience including purchasing, inventory control, contract negotiation, supplier relationships and inventory planning in a manufacturing environment


• Ability to analyze complex data, identify and execute savings opportunities, implement sourcing strategies and quickly execute tasks to realize benefits.


• Ability to multi-task, coordinate strategies/activities across multiple business functions


• Experience with financial and quantitative analysis


• Solid problem solving, verbal and written skills with the ability to communicate to all levels of management.


• Strong Excel skills


• Previous MRP/ERP experience preferred


• Experience in working with supply chain programs such as blanket orders and VMI (Vendor-Managed Inventory)

Benefits of Employment

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.

About Us

Federal Signal in University Park is a leading manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive systems and products used to protect people and property. Our products and integrated solutions include systems for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, industrial communications, and command and municipal networked security. Specific products include: lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens and public safety software.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at HR@federalsignal.com. All other applications must be submitted online.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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