Senior Buyer

The Buyer is responsible for acquiring materials, supplies, and services, and for placing purchase orders for goods with standard costs and quoted discounts. The role involves reviewing requisitions and proposals from vendors to negotiate contracts, assessing new supply sources, and maintaining records related to cost, delivery, performance, and inventory levels. The Buyer should be a strong team player, results-oriented, dedicated to excellence, and possess a sense of urgency to meet business objectives. Position Responsibilities may include: Managing tactical and strategic commodity responsibilities across multiple production locations Directing staff in purchasing activities Implementing quality initiatives (DPPM, CANs, SOs, FAI, Line Rejects) Overseeing delivery and inventory management (SOT, DOT, DOS, inventory goals, long lead-time supplier programs, obsolescence) Controlling costs (POs, AP issues, supplier reduction, savings initiatives) Maintaining supplier data accuracy in systems and files Traveling as needed; participating in SPI meetings Using computers to organize inventory and operate spreadsheets and word processing software Negotiating prices, discounts, and transportation arrangements Managing the departments purchasing activities Collaborating with sales and purchasing personnel to understand customer needs Ordering merchandise at favorable prices, ensuring quality and specifications Analyzing sales records and market trends to forecast inventory needs Setting or recommending pricing strategies Authorizing invoice payments and merchandise returns Working closely with vendors to develop desired products Conducting staff meetings to introduce new merchandise Supporting cost-effective buying strategies to increase market speed Gaining exposure to all facets of the purchasing process, including commodities, materials, components, tooling, and capital equipment Developing new suppliers to meet company requirements through research Managing sourcing processes, including RFQs, vendor communication, negotiations, and evaluation Conducting supplier pricing analysis to ensure competitiveness Developing and maintaining purchasing standards and procedures Evaluating supplier performance and project timelines Ensuring purchasing activities stay within budget and uphold ethical standards Managing supplier-related correspondence, contracts, and purchase orders Identifying and negotiating continuous improvement and cost reduction opportunities Collaborating on strategic planning to maximize profitability Participating in additional projects as needed Nature & Scope: Applying advanced knowledge of the field, gained through education and experience Managing projects independently and with limited supervision Coaching and reviewing lower-level professionals work Handling complex problems with innovative solutions Knowledge & Skills: Experience in foreign and domestic sourcing with strong negotiation skills Good working knowledge of MRP systems Vendor partnering, including certification, development, and lead-time reduction Experience with quality programs and processes Familiarity with EDI and supplier scheduling (a plus) Effective communication and negotiation skills in a global market context Ability to build positive relationships with customers, vendors, and colleagues Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks Ability to interact with manufacturing personnel Knowledge of engineering, quality, materials, logistics, sales, and marketing interactions Strong analytical, deductive reasoning, and quantitative skills Experience managing multiple suppliers and complex part number inventories Inventory and quality management training or certification (e.g., APICS, Six Sigma) Experience: Over 5 years in high-volume, low-cost purchasing environments Experience in manufacturing and with MRP systems Education/Certification: Bachelors degree in Materials Management, Business, Supply Chain, or related field People Management: No Physical Requirements / Work Environment: Ability to perform essential responsibilities with or without accommodations; domestic/foreign travel up to 15% Reports To: Manager, Commodity Note: The company provides equal employment opportunity and complies with all relevant laws. The applicant rights are detailed in the "Know Your Rights" notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr