Strategic Buyer

About the role

The Strategic Buyer develops and implements sourcing and procurement strategies, manages supplier relationships, and balances inventory levels with demand to meet production schedules. This role partners cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Engineering/Product Development, and Finance to improve supplier performance, optimize inventory, support new product introductions and changes, and drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing and procurement strategies for assigned categories that balance cost, quality, lead time, availability, and overall business value.
• Develop, manage, and measure key supplier relationships, including supplier performance, communication cadence, issue resolution, and ongoing improvement opportunities.
• Identify and qualify new supplier opportunities; lead pricing, terms, contract, and commercial negotiations to support business goals and supply continuity.
• Analyze global demand trends to incorporate into forecasting, inventory planning, and supply chain demand.
• Identify and develop process improvements within the supply chain by continuously improving techniques, methods, and approaches to procurement strategies, demand forecasting, and inventory planning.
• Manage inventory levels for phase-in/phase-out opportunities for assigned product categories.
• Participate in new product development process by supporting sourcing, supplier readiness, component availability, cost visibility, and material planning requirements.
• Coordinate with inventory buyers and supply chain leaders to identify and reconcile constraints, supply shortages, and other issues impacting customer fulfillment.
• Daily approval of planned PO's for assigned product categories.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance to ensure suppliers' quality expectations are met or exceeded standards, leads supplier performance appraisals.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop, maintain, and improve operational SOPs and procurement processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong communication skills (written & verbal) and ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Excellent analytical & quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direction and in a collaborative team setting.
• Exceptional organizational skills to handle multiple competing priorities.
• Detail-oriented and accurate.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to influence different business partners across multiple functions.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, operations, procurement, logistics, engineering, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of supply chain experience in procurement, sourcing, inventory management, planning, logistics, or a similar function.
• Experience managing critical supplier relationships in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience with supply chain planning, ERP/MRP, or procurement systems.
• Expertise with Microsoft Excel is required; ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate findings into practical actions.

Skills

• Strong communication skills (written & verbal).
• Excellent analytical & quantitative skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented and accurate.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to influence different business partners across multiple functions.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, PTO, paid Holidays, and an on-site fitness center.

Pay

$75,000 - $80,000 a year

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.