Strategic Buyer, Contract Manufacturing

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for outsourced manufacturing of finished products.
• Manage relationships with third-party contract manufacturers and strategic suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, technical competencies, and operational performance.
• Lead supplier selection, RFQ/RFP processes, supplier benchmarking, and sourcing decisions.
• Maintain supplier Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and inventory performance.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives, drive year-over-year cost reduction programs, and facilitate executive-level supplier business reviews.
• Oversee root cause analysis with corrective action plans to ensure sustained performance improvements.
• Identify opportunities for productivity improvements, waste reduction, and process standardization across the supply base.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms and conditions, tooling agreements, and long-term supply agreements.
• Ensure contracts align with business objectives, quality expectations, delivery requirements, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Manage commercial escalations and support resolution of supply, quality, or contractual disputes.
• Analyze market conditions, commodity trends, and supplier financial health to mitigate supply risk.
• Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, manufacturing, finance, and supply chain teams to support new product introductions and ongoing production.
• Participate in make-vs-buy decisions and manufacturing strategy discussions.
• Provide technical and commercial input during product development and supplier transition activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering related field
• 5+ years’ experience in Purchasing preferred
• Ability to effectively execute strategies across multi-year plans as well as cross functional teams and make data driven decisions
• CPM or CPSM a plus
• SAP experience preferred

Working Conditions

• The primary working environment includes both office and manufacturing.
• Some travel may be required.

Benefits Package & Employee Programs

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Paid parental leave