Category Senior Buyer

Position Summary

The Category Team Member/Buyer for Synthetics plays a critical role in keeping the procurement engine running smoothly and strategically. This position ensures clear communication, accurate data management, and fast resolution of operational issues while supporting key procurement activities across the Synthetics category. From managing purchase orders and supplier interactions to contributing to sourcing strategies and continuous improvement, this role blends hands-on operational execution with meaningful strategic impact.

Maintain

• Accurate SAP data, contracts, info records, and documentation.
• Manage purchase orders, invoice verification, and daily operational tasks.
• Resolve logistics issues, supplier complaints, and order discrepancies.
• Support new material development approvals and change management (PIRs, contracts, onboarding).
• Provide operational input for supplier meetings, negotiations, and vendor evaluations.
• Cook up coordination with planning, production, and cross-functional teams to ensure supply continuity.

Sourcing Activities

• Coordinate with planning, production, and cross-functional teams to ensure supply continuity.
• Participate in sourcing activities including RFIs/RFPs/RFQs, supplier assessments, and TCO-based evaluations.
• Support negotiation strategy, sourcing events, and implementation of cost-saving initiatives.

Supplier Performance & Relationships

• Monitor supplier performance, manage relationships, and assist with quarterly reviews and issue escalation.
• Conduct market research, financial analysis, and identify optimization or cost-reduction opportunities.
• Contribute to long-term sourcing strategy, risk assessments, and price-increase alerts.
• Avoid global collaboration, information flow, and alignment across buyers and business units.

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a procurement support role or related position.

Background & Profile

• Strong understanding of procurement operations and supply chain dynamics.
• Previous exposure to supporting negotiations and contract management.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

Skills

• Proficient in using procurement software and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Familiarity with global and regional market trends.
• Strategic mindset to provide valuable input in negotiations and supplier relationships.
• Fluent business English, advantage to have good command of another major language (e.g. Spanish or French).

Pay

The expected annual salary range for this position is USD $108,500 - $117,180. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance.