Senior Buyer/Planner, Stanley Access Technologies - Farmington, CT The Senior Buyer will own end-to-end procurement for assigned component categories supporting the Farmington Manufacturing Operation. This role combines strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, inventory optimization, and project leadership to ensure best-in-class cost, quality, and delivery performance. The Senior Buyer will also mentor and collaborate with the procurement team, production, and cross-functional stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and lean initiatives.
What You Will Do:- Cross-functional leadership and continuous improvement: partner with operations, engineering and finance to drive inventory optimization, supplier innovation and process improvements.
- Mentor junior buyers and use procurement analytics/ERP tools to support decisions (experience with D365 F&O preferred).
- Help lead procurement and planning for assigned categories: quoting, negotiating, ordering, and tracking all components.
- Develop and execute category strategies that optimize total cost of ownership, mitigate supply risk, and improve quality.
- Own supplier relationships: evaluate and manage supplier performance, drive improvements in DSI, on-time delivery, and adherence to quality specifications.
- Resolve supplier delivery issues, expedite critical material, and reschedule with suppliers to minimize production impact.
- Collaborate with production and planning to maintain target inventory levels versus departmental goals; recommend and implement corrective actions.
- Lead or support supplier development, qualification, and cost-reduction initiatives (including RFQs, supplier consolidation, contract negotiations).
- Manage special projects, including new product introductions, short-run programs, and process improvement efforts.
- Drive lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement initiatives in partnership with production and operations teams.
- Maintain target customer service levels (~98%), monitor KPIs, and provide actionable reporting to stakeholders.
- Mentor and coach junior buyers/planners; contribute to team process standardization and best practices.
- Utilize ERP/MRP systems (Dynamics 365 preferred) to plan, place, and track orders and to analyze inventory and procurement data.
- Travel up to 10%
What Success Looks Like: - Consistently achieves customer service targets with optimized inventory.
- Delivers measurable cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
- Reduces lead-time variability and mitigates supply chain risks for assigned categories.
- Champions and sustains lean initiatives that improve production flow and reduce waste.
- Supports and develops team members to operate at higher effectiveness.
What You Need to Succeed:- Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
- 7+ years of manufacturing purchasing/procurement experience with demonstrated background in quoting, negotiating, planning, and supplier management.
- Proven experience with ERP/MRP systems; Microsoft Dynamics 365 experience is a plus .
- Strong analytical skills, advanced Excel capability, and experience using data to drive decisions.
- Excellent project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Strong negotiation skills and experience delivering cost reduction programs.
- Demonstrated ability to lead or influence continuous improvement/lean initiatives.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Certifications such as CPSM, CPIM, or other supply chain/procurement credentials are a plus.
What You'll Get from Us: - Health, dental and vision insurance coverage, helping you "be safe, be healthy"
- Unlimited Paid Time Off
- A commitment to your future with a 401K plan, which currently offers a 6% company match and no vesting period
- Health Savings Accounts - Tax-advantaged savings account used for healthcare expenses
- Flexible Spending Accounts - Tax-advantaged spending accounts for healthcare and/or dependent daycare expenses
- Disability Insurance -Short-Term and Long-Term coverage, paid for by Allegion, provides income replacement for illness or injury
- Life Insurance - Term life coverage with the option to purchase supplemental coverage
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Voluntary Wellness Program - Simply complete wellness activities and earn monetary rewards
- Employee Discounts through Perks at Work
- Community involvement and opportunities to give back so you can "serve others, not yourself"
- Opportunities to leverage your unique strengths through CliftonStrengths assessment & coaching
Apply Today! Join our team of experts today and help us make tomorrow's world a safer place!
Not sure if your experience perfectly aligns with the role? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification and every single preferred qualification of a job posting. At Allegion, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. So, if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every item in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role.
