Senior Buyer

About the role

The Senior Buyer will execute, develop, and improve standard processes for each supplier to manage procurement, supplier relations, transportation, and inventory, ensuring customer expectations and high satisfaction levels are met. This role requires proactive issue identification and process improvement in material purchasing. The Buyer is a key member of the manufacturing operations team, reporting to the Materials Manager, and demands a high-energy, self-motivated individual with a strong drive for results. Guidance and expectations are provided by management, while empowering the use of analytical and technical skills to achieve high levels of self-directed performance.

Responsibilities

• Execute tactical buying processes to manage a global supply chain with 60% LCC content, ensuring material supply meets customer requirements.
• Communicate with suppliers, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams to ensure effective execution of the manufacturing plan, new production introduction, product phase out, and engineering change.
• In partnership with Supply Chain, explore new materials, suppliers, and processes to achieve optimal quality, reliability, prices, continuity, and delivery.
• Support crisis management by defining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Facilitate regular supplier status reviews to assess purchase order status, outages, and obstacles impacting the plan.
• Develop and implement processes to optimize inventory levels, ensuring on-time delivery while minimizing carrying costs and premium transportation charges.
• Identify PPV and inventory opportunities through SC analysis (PFEP), develop projects for execution, and manage PPV projects as assigned.
• Build strong strategic relationships with all levels of management.
• Support plant safety rules and safety observation processes.
• Attain targets and goals driving KPIs and assigned Plant Metric Targets.
• Enable business growth through reliable execution and consistent customer satisfaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline. Experience in lieu of a degree may be considered; continuing education is beneficial.
• Experience and/or Training: 5+ years in relevant roles; demonstrate initiative and self-starter ability with minimal supervision.
• Assertive with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Creativity with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively cross-functionally and at all levels.
• Proficient with Excel, other Microsoft Office products, and working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Schedule flexibility to communicate with an international supply base in Europe and China.
• Licenses/Certificates: APICS or similar certification or training is a plus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for positions of 30+ hours/week.
• Health Savings Account: Annual employer contributions.
• Company-Provided Insurance: Life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and short-term disability insurance.
• Voluntary Insurance Options: Critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, and long-term disability insurance for you, your spouse, and children.
• 401(k) Plan: Matching contributions, fully vested from day one.
• Educational Support: Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities.
• Lifestyle Reimbursement: $150 Amazon gift card upon completion of annual physical.
• Wellness Program: Health coaching, monthly webinars, quarterly challenges, and gift card incentives for participation and earning points.
• Safe Work Environment: Clean and safe workplace.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 14 paid holidays, including a holiday shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s, plus paid vacation available from day one.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for family needs.