Buyer
Work Location: Butte, MT
Pay range: $57,200 to $114,600 per year
Employment Status: Regular Full-time
External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com
Internal candidates apply through iConnect.
About this position:
The Buyer establishes relationships with vendors for quotes, negotiation of contracts and products, purchase of materials and supplies, and ensuring timely scheduled product deliveries for NorthWestern Energy's operations.
We offer great benefits:
NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over over 1,600 amazing people and serve over 800,000 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:
- 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
- Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial heath)
- Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
- Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
- Paid parental leave
- Paid bereavement leave
- Paid training opportunities
- Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays
Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.
About this job:
- Contact vendors to purchase material and supplies for daily operations while complying with procurement processes and internal controls including preparing materials quotes and Requests for Proposals.
- Create and manage vendor contracts to ensure procurement and timely distribution of materials
- Act as liaison between department and vendors to monitor and evaluate suppliers' performance
- Use effective communication and relationship skills to maintain and enhance key vendor agreements
- Maintain purchasing documents, files, and records including requests for proposals
- Work with standards engineers to research and recommend materials and products to the company with cost information
- Work with other departments to manage and resolve vendor issues and concerns
- Participate in meetings and training for the purpose of self-development and to perform tasks efficiently
- Work all required hours including evenings and weekends as needed
- Travel to meetings, trainings, and conferences (up to 15% travel per year)*
- The ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, consistent with applicable laws and reasonable accommodation requirements
- All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
- Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:
- Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
- Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, accounting, or similar field of study is required
- Experience in procurement or similar work experience preferred
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong negotiation skills and experience with developing contracts and agreements preferred
- Knowledge of SAP systems preferred
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) preferred
- Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)
Requisition #5021
Posting Dates: May 13, 2026 through May 27, 2026
Department/Division:Operations
Employment Physical: Not Required
Drug Test: Required
Background Check: Required
Relocation Benefit: Negotiable
Telecommuting: Part-time negotiable withing NorthWestern Energy service territory
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at job.inquiries@northwestern.com
