Summary: As the Senior Buyer, you will report directly to the Director, Customer Success and hold responsibility for the strategic and day-to-day procurement of materials, supplies, and services that support production and customer commitments. This role partners closely with the Customer Success team to ensure purchasing decisions align with order timelines, service commitments, and cost objectives, while leading
buying strategy, supplier negotiations, and purchase order management.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process for raw materials, packaging, and indirect goods/services, ensuring on-time delivery to support production schedules and customer commitments.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers;
- Monitor supplier performance (quality, delivery, responsiveness) and lead corrective action discussions when issues arise.
- Partner with the Director, Customer Success and account teams to align purchasing plans with customer order forecasts and service-level commitments.
- Maintain accurate purchase orders, delivery schedules, and inventory data within the ERP/purchasing system.
- Identify and lead cost-savings and process-improvement initiatives across the procurement function.
- Track market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply risks; proactively communicate potential disruptions to leadership.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with company policy, budget guidelines, and applicable regulations.
- Prepare and present regular reporting on spend, savings, supplier performance, and open order status.
Performs other duties as assigned by management.
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5+ years of progressive purchasing/procurement experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing vendor relationships.
- Proficiency in ERP/purchasing systems and Microsoft Excel.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- CPSM, CPM, or other professional purchasing certification preferred.
- Experience purchasing for a chemical, packaging, or process manufacturing operation preferred.
- Familiarity with customer-facing service metrics and cross-functional collaboration with Customer Success or Account Management teams.
