Purchasing Analyst

About the role

The Senior Purchasing Analyst is responsible for strategically sourcing and procuring direct materials that support manufacturing operations and new product development. This role manages end-to-end supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and contracts, ensures continuous material availability, and drives cost, quality, and delivery performance. The position offers significant visibility across the organization and plays a key role in shaping supply chain strategy and execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the strategic sourcing of electronic components, plastic resin, mechanical parts, metal components, and other direct materials and commodities, including supplier selection, procurement, delivery coordination, quality oversight, and relationship management.
• Identify and implement sourcing and process improvements that support product and corporate objectives, driving efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced supplier performance.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify strategic sourcing partnerships for electronic components, plastic resin, mechanical parts, raw materials, and finished goods, both domestically and internationally, aligning supplier capabilities with the organization's short- and long-term objectives.
• Collaborate closely with internal functions such as engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales, marketing, planning, and forecasting, as well as external suppliers, to define requirements, timing, and scope for bringing new products and product enhancements to market.
• Execute sourcing strategies to ensure a continuous and stable supply of quality materials, components, and finished goods, proactively anticipating and addressing potential supply issues in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Lead supplier negotiations for pricing and commercial terms, including cost reduction initiatives, value engineering projects, and quality improvement programs for assigned commodities and product categories.
• Develop, track, and manage supplier performance metrics and goals to support supplier development and drive continuous improvement in supply reliability, quality, and cost.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with key suppliers and leverage those relationships to achieve mutually beneficial, win-win sourcing outcomes.
• Participate in supplier contract negotiations and support the creation and maintenance of long-term supplier agreements.
• Monitor market conditions, commodity trends, material availability, and supplier capacity for assigned commodities, including electronic components, resins, metals, and mechanical parts, and use these insights to inform sourcing strategies.
• Serve as a strategic business partner in the supply chain organization, contributing to supplier strategy, sourcing decisions, and initiatives that directly impact company performance.
• Lead and support analytics-driven initiatives to manage inventory, pricing, and supplier performance, ensuring data-informed decision-making across sourcing activities.

Required experience

• At least five years of experience in a purchasing or procurement-related capacity, with responsibility for sourcing and managing direct materials.
• At least five years of experience using Microsoft Office applications to analyze data, prepare reports, and communicate with stakeholders.
• At least five years of experience using ERP technology, including demand planning and supply chain systems (experience with Foresite Demand Planning Software and BlueYonder is highly relevant).
• Demonstrated experience in procurement, purchasing, and buying within a manufacturing environment, with a focus on direct procurement and commodity management.
• Proven ability to source and manage electronic components, mechanical parts, plastic resins, metal components, packaging materials, and other direct manufacturing materials.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop and utilize analytics and performance metrics to manage costs, inventory, and supplier performance.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, including negotiating supplier agreements and managing supplier performance across multiple commodities.
• Ability to quickly learn and understand electronic and mechanical components and products within a quality-focused environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to work cross-functionally and collaborate with multiple suppliers in a fast-paced, multi-task environment.
• Proficiency using ERP systems and Microsoft Office in support of purchasing, sourcing, pricing, inventory, and supply chain analysis.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with direct exposure to supply chain, procurement, and commodity management.
• Background in sourcing electronic components, mechanical parts, plastic resin, metal components, packaging materials, and other direct manufacturing materials.
• Experience with pricing analysis, inventory analysis, and supplier performance analysis.
• Comfort working with ERP and demand planning tools such as Foresite Demand Planning Software and BlueYonder.
• Passion for sourcing products and services and for partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to solve complex business challenges.
• Interest in and aptitude for analytics, supplier negotiations, and driving measurable business results through cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to operate as a strategic business partner rather than solely a transactional buyer, contributing to long-term sourcing strategies and supplier relationship management.

Work environment

This role is based in a hybrid work environment, with three days onsite and two days remote each week, typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position is part of a supply chain team of about seven people, including several peers at the same level, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. The team culture is laid-back, supportive, and fun, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and healthy boundaries. Monthly team activities, such as in-office mini golf tournaments where each department designs a few holes, help build camaraderie and engagement. The organization features long-tenured staff and a positive company culture that values continuous improvement, cross-functional collaboration, and professional growth. Work is performed in a manufacturing-oriented environment using ERP systems, demand planning tools, and standard office technologies to support sourcing and supply chain operations.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $39.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision; Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital; 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available; Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents); Short and long-term disability; Health Spending Account (HSA); Transportation benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Schedule

This is a hybrid position in Libertyville, IL, with three days onsite and two days remote each week, typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a Contract to Hire position.