Job Purpose
The Senior Buyer is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that support cost competitiveness, supply continuity, supplier performance, and operational excellence within assigned commodity categories. This role leads sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, RFQs, contract management, and cost reduction activities while partnering with engineering, operations, quality, finance, and program management teams. The Senior Buyer evaluates supplier capabilities, market conditions, and total cost of ownership to drive strategic sourcing decisions, mitigate supply chain risks, and support successful product launches and business objectives.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Support the development and execution of sourcing strategies for assigned commodities to achieve cost, quality, delivery, and supply continuity objectives.
• Lead RFI/RFQ activities, supplier evaluations, competitive sourcing events, and sourcing recommendations.
• Analyze supplier quotations and total cost of ownership to identify the best overall value for the organization.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and supply agreements with suppliers.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while monitoring supplier performance in quality, delivery, cost, and service.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and support corrective action and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and execute cost reduction opportunities through strategic sourcing, VA/VE activities, benchmarking, resourcing, and productivity improvements.
• Support new program launches by coordinating sourcing activities, supplier readiness, PPAP requirements, and project milestones.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Finance, and Program Management teams to support business objectives and resolve supply-related issues.
• Assess and mitigate supplier risks related to capacity, financial stability, quality, and continuity of supply.
• Track and report sourcing project savings, supplier performance metrics, and procurement activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, reduce inventory, and enhance overall supply chain performance.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.
Education and Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of procurement, strategic sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Professional certification (CPSM, CPM, APICS, or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience leading RFQ processes, supplier negotiations, and contract management activities.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
Skills
• Strategic sourcing and supplier management
• Commercial negotiation and contract management
• Cost analysis and total cost of ownership evaluation
• Project management and cross-functional collaboration
• Supplier performance improvement and risk mitigation
• Problem-solving and data-driven decision-making
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Results-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
