The Senior Buyer is responsible for developing and managing a robust supply base that supports the manufacturing plan and aligns with the company’s strategic and tactical supply chain objectives. This includes ensuring supplier performance in pricing, quality, delivery, and inventory management while meeting corporate financial targets. In addition to core purchasing responsibilities, the Senior Buyer will also support specialized customer requirements, including industrial builds and large new customer orders, by coordinating all quoting, ordering, and sourcing activities for panels, boxes, prototype parts, and outsourced processing. This role ensures all components and outsourced services are delivered on time to meet production and customer ship dates. The Senior Buyer will collaborate closely with Design Engineering on new product development or upgrading existing products, assist in developing traceability systems for projects, and work daily with engineering, planning, operations, supplier quality, finance, and sourcing management to achieve cost savings, optimal inventory levels, and operational efficiency.
Identify, qualify, and develop new suppliers in support of new product development, supplier consolidation, cost-saving initiatives, and working-capital improvements.
Identify opportunities with existing suppliers for VA/VE initiatives and other cost-reduction projects.
Lead procurement activities for assigned commodities, including intent-to-purchase, supplier selection, and on-time delivery, while maintaining accurate order control, amendments, and documentation.
Collaborate daily with engineering, planning and operations to issue purchase orders, support production schedules, and ensure material availability to meet customer demand.
Manage procurement for special customer orders, including industrial builds and large new customer programs, ensuring all components arrive on time to support scheduled manufacturing and final ship dates.
Develop and maintain improved traceability systems for components to strengthen visibility and process control.
Partner with Finance and Legal to ensure company interests are represented in supplier contracts.
Ensure inventory management levels adhere to established inventory targets while supporting lean continuous-improvement initiatives to deliver optimal results in cost, quality, delivery, and inventory performance.
Support Design Engineering for both new product development and engineering changes to existing products, including liaison duties related to new products and/or redesign builds.
Maintain timely control and retention of all procurement records, shipping notices, and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance. Perform other duties as assigned.
Personal Attributes:
High level of energy and perseverance, with a consistently positive and resilient attitude in a fast-paced environment.
Results-driven and action-oriented, demonstrating a hands-on approach and a strong commitment to achieving goals and improving outcomes.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capability to navigate complex issues and determine effective solutions.
Clear and confident communicator, able to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels across the organization.
Skilled at building trust and managing conflict, using influence and collaboration to guide discussions and drive successful results.
Uncompromising integrity, consistently demonstrating respect, professionalism, and sound judgment in all interactions.
Education
Bachelor's Degree Required
APICS or CPM Certification Preferred
Experience
Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive measurable results in support of organizational goals.
Strong, proven project management skills, including the ability to plan, coordinate, prioritize, and execute multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Solid leadership capabilities, with strength in prioritization, delegation, and guiding tasks to completion.
Experience in supplier management, including performance evaluation, relationship development, and issue resolution.
Familiarity with operational processes in a manufacturing environment, contributing to informed sourcing and supplier selection decisions.
Strong ability to build and maintain collaborative supplier partnerships, ensuring open communication and long-term value creation.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
