Senior Buyer

About the role

Wenger Corporation is a privately-owned market leader with a 70+ year history of innovation and growth, employing more than 500 people with an average tenure of 12 years. The facility is located in Owatonna, MN, an easy 45-minute drive from the South Metro. As a Senior Buyer, you will coordinate the procurement of products to ensure adequate supply at the best cost, service, and quality to manufacture high-quality music education, performing arts, and athletic products.

Responsibilities

• Develop favorable working relationships with suppliers and review their capabilities to ensure on-time delivery of purchased component parts and services to meet Wenger Corporation’s requirements
• Take a strategic approach in the management of assigned commodities by working with suppliers and other departments on projects such as inventory reduction, new product development, cost reduction and analysis, and supplier performance
• Purchase and coordinate parts and services as assigned to ensure the highest quality at the best cost with the lowest inventory
• Monitor pricing fluctuations by comparing against industry standards as stated in published commodity prices
• Develop and recommend alternate sources of supply using the Total Cost of Ownership methodology
• Implement contracts for required suppliers
• Source new products or seek new suppliers on existing parts as required
• Lead supplier productivity, lead-time, and quality improvements to meet the operating needs of the company
• Assist the Buyer Assistant with work direction on expediting, placing orders, and other routine responsibilities

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or similar fields and four (4) or more years of purchasing experience; or six (6) or more years of similar work experience in lieu of a degree
• Strong negotiation skills
• Excellent knowledge of commodity markets, suppliers, and specifications
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• CPIM or CSCP Certification, or actively working towards certification

Preferred qualifications

• Project Management experience

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Generous Profit Sharing
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Spending Accounts – HSA, FSA, DCFSA
• Company Paid Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program