Sr. Buyer, Direct Materials

About the role

We are a global manufacturer of engineered products and assemblies, supporting OEM customers through complex manufacturing. We are seeking a Senior Buyer to lead sourcing strategy, supplier management, and procurement operations for a portfolio of direct material commodities. This position offers a blend of strategic sourcing and hands-on purchasing leadership, providing the opportunity to drive supplier performance, influence category strategy, support cost improvement initiatives, and mentor a growing procurement team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned commodities and supplier portfolios.
• Lead supplier selection, RFQs, negotiations, and sourcing decisions for new and existing products.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, commercial terms, and supply agreements to support business objectives.
• Proactively assess future material requirements, supplier capacity, and supply chain risks to develop contingency plans, maintain supplier continuity, and ensure production needs are met without disruption.
• Own supplier performance management, including KPIs, scorecards, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and supply continuity efforts across the supply base.
• Partner with Engineering, Planning, Production, and Quality teams to support new product launches, engineering changes, and material availability.
• Identify supply risks, market trends, and cost drivers while providing recommendations to leadership.
• Support day-to-day purchasing activities as needed, including order management, supplier follow-up, and issue resolution.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex supplier, sourcing, and procurement-related challenges.
• Mentor and support Buyers and Purchasing Specialists, providing guidance on supplier management, negotiations, and procurement best practices.
• Review sourcing recommendations and purchasing activities to ensure alignment with company objectives and procurement standards.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives, training efforts, and long-term category management strategies.
• Act as a key procurement representative on cross-functional projects and business initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing direct commodities (metals, electronics, electrical, plastics, and/or glass), supplier portfolios, or sourcing programs with ownership of supplier strategy and performance.
• Analytical mindset to proactively anticipate material requirements, supply risks, and capacity constraints, ensuring procurement activities stay ahead of production demand.
• Proven success with supplier negotiations and competitive sourcing events.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or providing guidance to procurement professionals.
• Ability to read technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and bills of materials.
• Strong ERP system experience; SAP experience is a plus.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.