Senior Buyer (HLK)

U.S. Tsubaki is a leading manufacturer and supplier of power transmission and motion control products, offering state-of-the-art solutions as part of a global network. We strive to be the “Best Value” supplier in the industry.

About the role

The Senior Buyer oversees and executes material planning goals to maximize cash flow, material turns, and on-time delivery while continuously improving material flow based on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Procurement and planning activities, including sharing best practices and strategic supplier development.
• Manage external suppliers to secure raw materials and sourced parts at competitive prices and ensure on-time delivery for production.
• Collaborate with production planning, operations, and logistics to align procurement with demand forecasts.
• Establish strategic relationships with key suppliers aligned with company needs.
• Lead supplier negotiations, RFQs, and contract discussions to achieve cost savings, favorable terms, discount structures, and volume rebates.
• Track supplier performance (Quality, Delivery, Cost, Responsiveness) and drive continuous improvements, including secondary sourcing strategies to reduce supply risk.
• Build trust and maintain professional relationships with team members and suppliers.
• Review supplier contracts and ensure compliance documents, including insurance forms, are shared with Corporate Sourcing/Legal.
• Understand material specifications and quality metrics in collaboration with Engineering/R&D and suppliers.
• Resolve pricing, lead time, and business-related issues while identifying new cost-saving opportunities.
• Continually improve purchasing methods to reduce external spending.
• Conduct supplier visits to review performance and opportunities, sometimes on short notice.
• Perform other assigned tasks and functions as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or APICS/ISM Certification.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP principles and supply chain planning.
• 3+ years of experience in Materials, Planning, and Inventory.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Knowledge of import/export regulations and tariffs.
• Proficiency in Excel and Project Planning.

Benefits

• Health benefits effective on date of hire.
• Dental and vision benefits effective the first of the month following date of hire.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and 10 paid holidays.
• Generous 401(k) match and profit sharing.
• Annual bonus potential.
• Life insurance, short- and long-term disability.
• Flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits.
• Education reimbursement.
• Home and auto insurance discounts.
• Pet insurance.

Pay

Estimated salary range: $80,000–$105,000 yearly. Individual pay is based on location, skills, expertise, experience, and other relevant factors.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. Tsubaki does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas.