Buyer/Sourcing Specialist

Daily Responsibilities

• Building and sustaining positive, professional relationships with existing and new suppliers to secure reliable access to essential parts and materials aligned with company standards.
• Leading negotiations on pricing, delivery schedules, and contract terms to maximize value, optimize costs, and support company-wide financial objectives.
• Evaluating supplier performance consistently against established KPIs, including quality standards, on-time delivery, and cost effectiveness, and working closely with suppliers to implement corrective actions as needed.
• Coinciding closely with internal teams such as Engineering, Planning, Transportation, Production, and Quality Assurance to ensure procurement activities are aligned with operational needs and project timelines.
• Developing strategic sourcing plans that identify cost-saving opportunities, streamline procurement processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain.
• Managing purchase order submissions with precise adherence to company policies, ensuring accuracy and compliance to contractual obligations.
• Proactively communicating with all stakeholders, anticipating challenges and providing timely resolutions to procurement-related issues.
• Conducting site visits and supplier audits to assess capacity, quality control processes, and adherence to service agreements, fostering transparency and partnership.
• Expediting outstanding orders and handling discrepancies in invoices or purchase orders to maintain smooth production workflows.
• Participating in weekly production and cross-departmental meetings to stay informed of operational requirements and to support dynamic supply adjustments.
• Analyzing market dynamics and supplier trends to inform procurement decisions and maintain competitive advantage.

Qualifications and Attributes

• 5 to 7 years of professional experience in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Purchasing roles with demonstrable success in sourcing strategies.
• A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience in relevant fields such as Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering.
• Willingness and availability for monthly travel commitments, approximately one week per month, specifically to Rock Hill, South Carolina, to engage directly with suppliers and teams.
• Exceptional negotiation skills, capable of securing advantageous agreements while promoting collaborative supplier relationships.
• Strong communication capabilities to effectively liaise with internal departments, external vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Analytical aptitude to interpret purchasing data, monitor inventory levels, and uncover cost efficiency opportunities through metrics and trends.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and data analytics tools tailored to streamline purchasing workflows and supplier evaluations.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including the use of complex formulas, pivot tables, and data visualization techniques to support decision making.
• In-depth understanding of supply chain fundamentals such as inventory control, supplier lead times, and risk management.
• A customer-oriented mindset that prioritizes quality, reliability, and timely delivery throughout all procurement processes.