Founded in 1998, AVL has grown into a North American leader in turnkey engineering, manufacturing, and assembly solutions. For over 25 years, we've combined in-house mechanical, structural, and electrical engineering with custom acoustical design and airflow analysis to deliver fully integrated power-generation and energy-storage systems.
Rooted in Hamilton, Ontario, AVL Manufacturing is proud to expand our North American footprint with our new U.S. facility, in Charlotte, NC —bringing world-class power packaging solutions closer to our customers.
AVL remains fiercely client-focused—driven by a dedication to quality, innovation, and collaboration that ensures every custom enclosure and power solution precisely meets our customers' needs.
Our team is the foundation of our success. Comprised of dedicated engineers, skilled fabricators, and experienced project managers, we bring a collaborative, hands-on approach to every project. Our in-house experts in mechanical, structural, and electrical engineering work seamlessly with our production teams to deliver precision-built solutions that exceed industry standards. Quality is more than a goal—it's our promise. From initial design to final assembly, we are committed to meticulous craftsmanship and continuous improvement to ensure our customers receive reliable, high-performance products they can trust.
At AVL, we truly live our 'We Are One Team' philosophy. Through seamless collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence, we consistently deliver results that exceed quality expectations.
Job Summary
AVL is seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Buyer to support our growing operations within the data center infrastructure industry. The Senior Buyer will be responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement planning, cost control, and ensuring material availability to support manufacturing operations for custom and standard enclosure solutions. This role requires strong negotiation skills, technical purchasing knowledge, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, Planning, and Finance to support AVL’s operational and customer delivery objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategic Purchasing & Sourcing
- Lead procurement activities for raw materials, fabricated components, electrical components, hardware, and production supplies.
- Source and qualify new suppliers capable of supporting AVL’s quality, delivery, and cost expectations.
- Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to improve pricing, lead times, and service levels.
- Analyze market trends, material availability, and supply chain risks impacting manufacturing operations.
- Negotiate pricing agreements, contracts, payment terms, and long-term supply arrangements. Supplier & Vendor Management
- Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
- Coordinate supplier corrective actions with Quality Assurance when required. Maintain approved vendor lists and support vendor certification programs.
- Conduct supplier business reviews and participate in supplier audits as needed.
- Work collaboratively with suppliers to support continuous improvement initiatives.
Operational Procurement
- Issue and manage purchase orders to support production schedules and inventory targets. Ensure timely delivery of materials to avoid production interruptions.
- Review MRP recommendations and adjust purchasing strategies based on demand fluctuations.
- Resolve invoice discrepancies, shortages, damaged shipments, and delivery issues. Maintain accurate purchasing records and ERP system data.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Engineering on alternate parts, product changes, and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Support Production and Planning teams with material availability and schedule alignment. Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and inventory optimization.
- Support Quality Assurance with supplier quality concerns and corrective action follow-up. Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and inventory reduction.
- Participate in Lean Manufacturing and operational improvement initiatives.
- Assist in developing procurement KPIs and reporting metrics including: On-time delivery, Supplier performance, Cost savings, Inventory turns
Qualifications:
- Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field.
- PMAC/SCMA designation considered an asset.
- Minimum 5–8 years of purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in sheet metal fabrication, electrical components, industrial manufacturing, or data center infrastructure preferred.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing setting.
- Strong understanding of supply chain operations and vendor management.
- Advanced negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with shifting priorities.
- High attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and technical drawings is an asset.
- Supplier on-time delivery performance
- Purchase cost savings
- Inventory accuracy and optimization
- Material availability to production
- Supplier quality performance
- ERP data accuracy
- Lead time reduction initiatives
Other Requirements
- Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Understand how this position impacts the quality of products and services our customers provide.
- Produce quality work (on-spec., on time, on a budget).
- Participate pro-actively in the continuous improvement process.
- Be self-motivated with a positive attitude and the ability to multi-task.
- Work well within a team environment.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Maintain a professional, clean and safe work area.
AVL Manufacturing offers a competitive compensation package with exceptional benefits.
We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
At AVL Manufacturing, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive hiring process and supporting candidates with disabilities. If you require any accommodations during recruitment or selection, please notify our Human Resources team so we can assist you appropriately.
Pay: $70,000.00-$90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
