Company Profile:  

For almost 50 years, Seymour Duncan has been dedicated to precision-built, high-quality products and has grown a boutique family business, into one of the world’s leading makers of guitar pickups and effect pedals. Today, the Seymour Duncan family includes our skilled team of craftspeople in Santa Barbara, California as well as the world’s most iconic guitarists and musicians of all levels around the world.  

Our Santa Barbara headquarters is more than a factory; it is a family of craftspeople of all ages, backgrounds and interests. This incredible group of people is made up of skilled guitarists, dancers and music lovers; many of whom have been with us for over 20 years!  

We are looking for that special individual who will bring energy, creativity and commitment, in implementing quality systems that will sustain the great product reputation that Seymour Duncan has achieved in the guitar world.  

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Buyer is responsible for materials sourcing, materials demand planning, executing and monitoring purchase orders, ensuring purchase order data is accurate in the ERP system, maintaining appropriate inventory levels and supporting all departments in their procurement needs. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

Interface with internal and external stakeholders to ensure materials needs are met in an effort to exceed the expectations of our customers;

Ensure raw materials inventory levels are optimized to support growing market demand;

Identify and evaluate potential new domestic and offshore suppliers;

Build relationships with supplier base and report on vendor performance;

Proactively monitor and identify supply chain risks and implement solutions to reduce risk;

Pursue cost reduction initiatives without sacrificing service or quality;

Plan and execute purchase orders for supplies and equipment;

Monitor open purchase orders to ensure due dates are met;

Ensure purchase order information and material data are accurate in ERP system;

Facilitate timely returns and credits with suppliers;

Employ root cause analysis when problems arise and identify solutions to prevent recurring issues;

Own RFQ process and negotiation with suppliers;

Participate in continuous improvement projects;

Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s Degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or related degree preferred;

Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience with at least 2 years in the manufacturing industry;

Proficiency with ERP systems, including data analysis and reporting;

Proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel (including VLOOKUP & pivot tables) and/or Power BI;

Experience in vendor negotiation;

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs and other techniques for maximizing effective manufacturing process and distribution of goods;

Understand relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose most appropriate path;

Knowledge of international logistics, free trade agreements, HS codes, customs compliance and  landed cost calculation;

Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; 

Guitar player, a plus;

Exceptional attention to detail, organizational, planning, effective multi-tasking, problem-solving, follow-through and exceptional customer service skills;

Ability to work effectively alone, within a team environment, in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment. 

Compensation:

$70,000 - $90,000 annual base salary DOE, for this full-time, exempt position.   

Benefits:

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance;

FSA/HSA with company contribution;

Paid vacation, sick time and public holidays;

401(K) with annual company match;

Employee discount on company products.   

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA – In-office, hybrid, or fully remote working options