Purchasing Associate II

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of advanced arc welding solutions, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment, and has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. Lincoln is recognized as the Welding Expert for its leading materials science, software development, automation engineering, and application expertise, which advance customers' fabrication capabilities to help them build a better world. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is a $4.2B publicly traded company (NASDAQ:LECO) with over 12,000 employees around the world, with operations in 71 manufacturing and automation system integration locations across 21 countries and maintains a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices serving customers in over 160 countries.

Location: Macomb
Employment Status: Hourly Full-Time
Function: Supply Management/Purchasing
Req ID: 26887

Lincoln Electric is seeking a proactive Purchasing Associate II to support our Baker Industries operation in Macomb, MI. In this role, you will manage key supplier relationships for direct and indirect materials and services, execute sourcing requirements from Buyers and corporate-led programs, and drive cost, quality, and delivery performance.

• Own supplier performance (OTD, quality, cost) and drive corrective actions to support operational goals
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers
• Actively participate in site leadership meetings to align procurement with business priorities
• Mitigate supply risk through alternative sourcing, safety stock strategies, and supplier-managed inventory programs (VMI, consignment, etc.)
• Improve working capital via extended terms, stocking programs, and Supply Chain Financing (SCF)
• Conduct total-cost-of-ownership analysis (freight, payment terms, INCO terms, lead time, MOQ, etc.) during supplier selection
• Lead or support cross-functional sourcing projects to deliver best-value solutions
• Establish and maintain standard costs; provide monthly cost-variance forecasting critical to quoting and profitability
• Create and manage RFx events using Ariba e-Sourcing platform
• Share production forecasts and schedules with suppliers to ensure continuity of supply
• Champion continuous improvement in procurement processes, SAP transactions, master data accuracy, and Source-to-Pay (S2P) systems
• Own supplier onboarding process in compliance with company policies
• Ensure full adherence to ITAR, CMMC, and other regulated procurement requirements

• U.S. citizenship required (ITAR compliance)
• Minimum 1 year of procurement, buying, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of purchasing policies, processes, and ITAR/CMMC compliance for a publicly traded company
• Proficiency reading technical documents (blueprints, BOMs, routings, job travelers)
• Demonstrated supplier management and negotiation skills
• Experience with consumption-based and forecast-driven planning methods
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office suite; SAP and Ariba experience strongly preferred
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Proven ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• High attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement

Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.