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Project Buyer

Valmet · Appleton, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 11, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you saved money on a purchase without hurting quality or delivery.

What they are checking: Whether they deliver value through smart sourcing, not just pushing price down.

Tell me about a difficult negotiation with a supplier.

What they are checking: Whether they can negotiate firmly while keeping a good working relationship.

What interests you about moving into strategic purchasing on a global team?

What they are checking: Whether they want to grow beyond transactional buying, which the role offers.

What would you do

A supplier says they will be three weeks late on a part needed for assembly. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they act fast with the project manager to find alternatives and protect the schedule.

How do you work with the project manager, engineering and the assembly partner to plan procurement?

What they are checking: Whether they coordinate well so parts arrive when the project needs them.

Engineering changes a drawing after you have already placed the order. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they manage changes with suppliers and control the cost and schedule impact.

About the work

How do you read a technical drawing to decide which subcontractors could make the part?

What they are checking: Whether they can analyze drawings for feasibility and choose qualified suppliers.

Walk me through how you run a request for quotation for a technical component on a paper machine project.

What they are checking: Whether they know how to invite, compare and evaluate bids with technical and commercial factors.

How would you think about logistics footprint when choosing between a local and an overseas supplier?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh freight, lead time and risk in sourcing decisions.

How do you manage many open purchase orders on several projects at once?

What they are checking: Whether they stay organized and track orders closely.

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The full job description

As published by Valmet.

Are you looking for an opportunity to launch your career to the next level? Do you aspire to become a key player within our Global Supply Projects Procurement Team? Deciding on your next employer is not a decision to be made lightly. But if you want to work on the front lines of development, shaping the field as you go, keep reading to see what we have to offer! Our winning team is built by continuous investment in skills development, leadership and well-being. As a global company, we offer many career paths to suit individual needs and aspirations. Join our team and apply your expertise as a Project Buyer . As a Technical Project Buye r, you will be part of the team to manage and plan the project execution with the project manager, engineering team and assembly partner. You will lead and coordinate the procurement of technical parts for various Valmet projects by performing both operational and strategic purchasing tasks that deliver optimal value to the company. You will ensure efficient sourcing of technical components for paper machine projects. Through strategic supplier management and optimization of the logistics footprint, you will help transform the supply chain, improve cost efficiency, and strengthen Valmet’s procurement competitiveness. You will analyze technical drawings, assess feasibility and delivery timelines, select subcontractors and invite them to bid, and purchase various project components while respecting budgets, deadlines, and Valmet’s quality standards. You will follow up and provide support to engineering, manufacturing, and mechanical assembly teams. The buyer will contact suppliers to ensure delivery deadlines are met, address issues or non-conformities, take corrective actions, and complete non-conformance report. Key responsibilities: · Analyze sub-assemblies from the engineering department; determine the appropriate procurement strategy when awarding contracts to subcontractors, considering deadlines, budget, and technical complexity. · Manage the purchasing process (supplier selection, bidding, analysis, purchasing, follow-up, and expediting). · Support the project manager and engineering throughout equipment manufacturing and assembly in the workshop. · Assist with assembly activities and testing in the workshop. · Provide technical support to suppliers. · Follow up with suppliers and monitor project progress until shipment. · Participate in developing the subcontractor network, validate compliance with Valmet’s standards, and periodically evaluate them. · Ensure costs remain within established budgets. · Maintain the supplier list. · Issue and track non-conformance reports. · Ensure required quality documents are obtained from suppliers. · Create, modify, and verify material lists in the ERP system. · Collaborate with engineering and provide advice on mechanical design when needed. · Procure industrial parts (store items). · Participate in various projects. · Perform other related tasks. Required qualifications: · Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology or other relevant training. · Minimum of 5 years of experience in the manufacturing industry Specific requirements: · Knowledge of procurement and logistics. · Ability to read technical drawings. · Knowledge of manufacturing processes. · Knowledge of CNC and conventional machining. · Computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook). Desired personal attributes: · Ability to understand the overall vision of a project. · Strong communication and negotiation skills. · Organizational and planning skills. · Professionalism. · Initiative and autonomy. · Good judgment and decision-making ability. · Ability to manage priorities and multiple situations simultaneously. · Comfortable working under pressure. · Teamwork skills We Offer - We offer a challenging work environment that values innovation and suits development-minded people who enjoy working in a fast-paced and dynamic setting. Includes a generous wage and benefits package that includes a 401k with company match as well as company-funded pension. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon a background check and pre-employment physical and drug screen. Where everything works together - Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together. With over 20,000 professionals around the world, we are the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. Our commitment to moving our customer's performance forward requires creativity, technological innovations, service know-how - and above all, teamwork. Join the team! www.valmet.com/careersna Valmet is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and applicants for employment will not be discriminated on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. Please note that Valmet will never ask for personal financial information during the interview process. If you feel you have been a victim of an online job posting scam, please notify the Federal Trade Commission

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