Job Description:

Job Description:

The Senior Buyer is a key supply chain leader responsible for driving procurement, supplier performance, inventory management, and continuous improvement initiatives within the Power Systems Division. This individual will partner closely with the Materials Manager, suppliers, engineering and cross-functional teams to ensure excellence in cost, quality and delivery.  This position is expected to provide leadership, develop talent and drive results across the organization and offers growth.  The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong negotiation and relationship building skills and can drive change through collaboration and influence. 

Essential Functions:

Supply Chain & Procurement

• Manage procurement activities, including sourcing, purchasing, inventory planning, and material flow.
• Lead supplier negotiations involving pricing, contracts, delivery performance, and service levels.
• Evaluate, select, and develop suppliers in partnership with the Materials Manager and engineering team.
• Build collaborative supplier relationships while identifying opportunities for supplier consolidation and risk reduction.
• Conduct supplier visits, audits, and performance reviews.
• Manage supplier corrective action processes and ensure timely resolution of quality or delivery issues.
• Monitor and communicate Market Rate of Demand (MRD) changes to suppliers

Cost & Inventory Management

• Drive cost reduction, productivity, quality, delivery, and simplification initiatives.
• Manage material price variance, inventory turns, and inventory optimization programs.
• Track and document cost savings and cost avoidance projects.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle count oversight and inventory management practices.
• Support inventory transition activities related to product launches, engineering changes, and product obsolescence.
• Manage MOH and inactive inventory performance metrics.

Operational Excellence & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead or support divisional materials and supply chain improvement projects.
• Develop and implement materials strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Actively participate in New Product Development (NPD) initiatives.
• Partner daily with manufacturing, engineering, and other cross-functional teams to ensure material availability and operational continuity.
• Champion and implement ITW business principles, including 80/20, Product Line Simplification, Market Rate of Demand (MRD), Empowerment, Trust, and Continuous Improvement.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to materials personnel and cross-functional teams.
• Depending on organizational needs and candidate experience, the role may include direct supervision of materials personnel.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve efficiency, and develop organizational capabilities

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Management or related field. 
• 5-10 years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, supply chain or materials management.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal and time management skills.
• Demonstrated success in supplier management, including negotiation, quality, delivery and cost performance.
• Experience leading cost reduction, inventory management and new product development projects
• Ability to prioritize effectively, solve problems analytically and drive results
• Experience coaching, developing or leading teams either through direct supervision or cross-functional leadership
• Proficiency with Microsoft office applications
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development