The Senior Buyer reports to the Head of Operations (purchasing) America, with a dotted line to the Global Category Manager, and plays a critical role in managing and optimizing the procurement process to ensure the organization acquires goods and services at the best possible value. This position leads purchasing activities for needed materials, negotiates with suppliers, and maintains strong vendor relationships to support operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The Senior Buyer analyzes market trends, evaluates supplier performance, and collaborates closely with operations, engineering, and other cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives. The role has an international scope, including supporting sourcing activities for PM Brazil. This role requires a strategic thinker who can balance quality, cost, and delivery timelines while mitigating risks associated with supply chain disruptions. Ultimately, the Senior Buyer ensures that procurement activities contribute to the company's profitability and competitive advantage.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Strategy & Sourcing- Contribute to and implement purchasing and commodity strategies (grow, maintain, exit) that align with company goals, global category strategies, and budget constraints.
- Lead material sourcing for Putzmeister America and support sourcing activities in Brazil.
- Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, price, delivery, and service capabilities.
- Prepare, analyze, and award RFQs, capturing all requirements (part numbers, drawings/specifications, volumes) and contract terms consistent with commodity strategy.
- Negotiate contracts and terms with vendors to secure favorable pricing and conditions, targeting the lowest total cost of ownership, including long-term agreements, make-or-buy analyses, market tests, and clauses to mitigate raw material and currency fluctuations.
- Analyze market trends and supplier markets to identify opportunities for cost savings, risk reduction, and process improvements.
- Travel approximately 15%
- Perform other duties as assigned
Supplier Performance & Supply Assurance- Define, monitor, and report supplier performance (quality, cost, on-time delivery) using KPIs and scorecards; drive corrective actions and resolve issues related to quality, delivery, or compliance.
- Support monthly supplier on-time delivery meetings and co-lead supplier quality, capacity, and development meetings with the supplier.
- Collaborate with production, engineering, finance, and logistics to forecast demand, manage inventory levels, and ensure continuity of supply (production, aftermarket, MRO).
- Issue and maintain purchase orders in SAP/MRP for first samples or long-term contracts.
Cost Management- Identify and execute cost savings opportunities to meet strategic targets.
- Negotiate and mitigate economic increases, piece prices, design changes, tooling, expedite, and cancellation costs.
- Resolve invoicing issues with suppliers.
Continuous Improvement & Compliance- Mentor and guide buyers; develop and present training to internal customers.
- Create and improve procurement and cross-functional processes to achieve best practices.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, ISO requirements, legal requirements (incl. import/export and customs regulations), and ethical standards in all purchasing activities; maintain purchasing records per retention guidelines.
Key Performance Indicators- Cost savings vs. target
- Supplier on-time delivery (OTD) and quality (PPM)
- Material price variance (MPV) and lead times
- Contract coverage for key commodities
- Cost-saving initiatives (TCRs) and their successful implementation
Qualifications:Required- Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement or purchasing, ideally 5-7 years sourcing materials in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience working in a global environment with international suppliers and teams.
- Strong knowledge of procurement processes, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
- Technical understanding and ability to interpret technical drawings; fluent with the metric system.
- Advanced data analysis skills to support strategic decision-making.
- Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office 360; familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; proven project management capability.
- Excellent written and verbal English skills; able to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
- Valid passport and driver's license or eligibility to obtain one.
- Result-oriented mindset and commitment to Putzmeister principles: teamwork, cooperation, respect, and integrity.
Preferred- Professional certification such as CPSM, CPM or CPIM.
- International logistics experience.
- Hands-on SAP MM experience.
- Bilingual in Spanish, Portuguese, or German.
Education/Certification/Training:- Bachelor's degree in Business Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and use hands to handle or touch objects; frequently required to push and pull. Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close, peripheral, and depth vision. Mandatory safety training (OSHA) applies.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is in a typical office or shop environment; occasionally exposed to noise, dust, and chemicals.
Safety glasses/goggles must be worn at all times while in the shop or yard.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The above information includes the general details necessary to describe the principal duties of the identified job and shall not be interpreted as a detailed description of all the work requirements inherent in the job.
FLSA Status: Exempt
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Revision #: 2FFFFFFFF6504000010000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 Non-Exempt
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Approved By: JBBenefits- Comprehensive benefits (medical, vision, and dental insurance)
- Company paid Hospital Indemnity/Accident Insurance
- HSA - incentives for company contributions
- FSA Plans
- Company-paid Life Insurance
- Company paid Short-term/Long-term Disability
- Paternity Leave
- 401 (k) plan with company match
- Profit sharing
- Company events
- Education Reimbursement
- Boot Reimbursement
- Uniform Program
- Employee discount program
