Buyer 3

Fike Corporation, a rapidly growing international manufacturer of pressure relief, explosion protection, fire suppression and detection equipment, is a privately held business located in Blue Springs, MO with over 400 employees locally and over 1,200 employees worldwide.

About the role

This position is responsible for leading supplier strategy, sourcing, supplier development, category management, inventory optimization initiatives, and supply chain risk management activities. The Buyer 3 influences sourcing, replenishment, and inventory decisions; leads supplier negotiations and contracts; and serves as a technical and process leader within the Purchasing function.

Responsibilities

• Improves replenishment effectiveness by analyzing supply and demand trends, identifying opportunities to improve inventory performance, resolving complex material disruptions, and recommending changes to replenishment strategies, stocking levels, and inventory policies.
• Leads supplier strategy, sourcing decisions, commercial negotiations, supplier development to improve supply continuity, cost competitiveness, quality performance, and supplier capabilities.
• Influences stocking strategy, supply planning assumptions, inventory policy, and supplier stocking programs based on supplier capabilities, demand patterns, business requirements, and supply chain risks.
• Leads cross-functional supply chain initiatives and decision-making in partnership with Planning, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Customer Experience, and Operations to improve business performance and supply chain effectiveness.
• Improves purchasing/planning processes, governance, and operational workflows through continuous improvement initiatives, process standardization, system enhancements, and best practice development.
• Resolves ambiguous, high-impact business and supplier issues with minimal oversight, including supply disruptions, sourcing challenges, contractual matters, supplier performance concerns, and business continuity risks.
• Functions as the technical/process leader and mentor within the Purchasing function by providing guidance, mentorship, training, and escalation support to Buyers and cross-functional partners.
• Owns category and supplier strategies, supply chain risk management activities, supplier performance improvement plans, and continuous improvement initiatives for assigned suppliers, commodities, or categories.
• Maintains the confidentiality of all information processed.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Regular and consistent attendance is required.

Skills

• Subject Matter Proficiency
• Analytical
• Records Management
• Computer Applications
• Inventory
• Project Management
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Relationship Building
• Independent Judgement
• Effective Verbal and Written Communication
• Organization
• Initiative
• Time Management
• Negotiation

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years or more of post-degree experience in a Manufacturing, Purchasing, or Operations environment.
• Knowledge of Supply Management, Materials Resource Planning concepts, and Material Replenishment processes.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Windows.
• Must be a self-starter with good interpersonal skills.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• CPM certification or APICS, CPIM, and CIRM certifications.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Windows.
• Familiarity with SalesForce and Google Suite.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $67,527 to $84,402 a year. May increase depending on the level of experience of the candidate.

Benefits

• Three weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) pro-rated the first year and paid holidays.
• Medical plans with FSA and HSA, vision and dental plan.
• Paid life and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) plan with company match, fully vested on day one.
• Profit sharing bonus program.
• Education reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• On-site fitness center and award-winning wellness program.
• Reimbursement for safety shoes and glasses.
• Service awards and recognition program.
• Company picnic, quarterly events, and holiday lunch.
• Free coffee/tea, lunch utensils, lunch room mini-mart, free parking.