DESCRIPTIONPosition SummaryThe Senior Buyer is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of materials, components, and services required for the production of terminal tractors. This position plays a critical role in achieving cost, quality, delivery, and inventory objectives while supporting production schedules, new product introductions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Senior Buyer serves as a strategic procurement leader, partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and suppliers to optimize the supply chain and drive overall business performance.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & Procurement- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned commodities, components, and services.
- Lead supplier selection, qualification, and onboarding activities.
- Conduct competitive bidding and supplier evaluations to secure best value.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, lead times, and service agreements.
- Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities while maintaining quality and supply continuity.
- Analyze market trends, commodity fluctuations, and supply chain risks to support procurement decisions.
Supplier Management- Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships focused on quality, delivery, cost, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct supplier performance reviews using KPIs and scorecards.
- Manage supplier corrective actions related to quality or delivery issues.
- Escalate critical supplier concerns and develop mitigation plans to minimize operational impact.
- Support supplier development initiatives and periodic supplier audits.
Production & Inventory Support- Ensure timely procurement of production materials to support manufacturing schedules.
- Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with planning teams to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Work closely with Production, Planning, and Engineering to address material shortages and expedite critical orders.
- Coordinate engineering changes and product transitions with suppliers.
- Support new product launches and make-to-order production requirements.
Financial Performance- Manage annual spend for assigned categories.
- Achieve cost savings targets through negotiations, value engineering, and supplier optimization.
- Monitor purchase price variance (PPV) and identify opportunities for cost control.
- Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities related to procurement expenditures.
Process Improvement- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within procurement and supply chain operations.
- Improve purchasing processes, supplier responsiveness, and system accuracy.
- Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and ethical business standards.
- Utilize ERP/MRP systems to maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier data.
Required QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience- Minimum 5-8 years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Minimum 3 years of strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation experience.
- Experience supporting assembly, heavy equipment, automotive, agricultural equipment, truck, trailer, or industrial manufacturing operations preferred.
- Experience managing direct materials procurement and supplier performance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Strong understanding of manufacturing supply chains and procurement best practices.
- Advanced negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, IQMS, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar.
- Strong analytical and financial acumen.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and technical specifications.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications- CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) certification.
- APICS/ASCM certification.
- Experience sourcing steel, fabricated components, hydraulics, electrical systems, driveline components, engines, axles, or other heavy equipment commodities.
- Experience working with domestic and international suppliers.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma exposure.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Material availability and production support.
- Supplier on-time delivery performance.
- Inventory turns and working capital improvement.
- Annual cost savings achievement.
- Purchase price variance performance.
- Supplier quality metrics.
- Supplier lead-time reduction.
- Procurement cycle time.
- New supplier development results.
Physical Requirements- Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
- Occasional travel (up to 20%) for supplier visits, audits, trade shows, and business meetings.
- Ability to visit production and warehouse areas requiring appropriate PPE.
REQUIREMENTS 
