DescriptionWe are seeking a highly motivated
Strategic Buyer with an Engineering background to lead sourcing and supplier management activities for third-party contract manufacturers. This role is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, cost reduction programs, supplier performance management, and commercial contract negotiations while partnering closely with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge and has experience working collaboratively with external manufacturing partners to improve quality, delivery, productivity, and total cost of ownership.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management - Develop and execute sourcing strategies for outsourced manufacturing of finished products.
- Manage relationships with third-party contract manufacturers and strategic suppliers.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, technical competencies, and operational performance.
- Lead supplier selection, RFQ/RFP processes, supplier benchmarking, and sourcing decisions.
- Monitor supplier KPIs including cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and inventory performance.
Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction - Partner with contract manufacturers to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Drive year-over-year cost reduction programs through value engineering, process optimization, lean manufacturing, and supply chain efficiencies.
- Facilitate executive-level supplier business reviews and oversee root cause analysis with corrective action plans to ensure sustained performance improvements.
- Identify opportunities for productivity improvements, waste reduction, and process standardization across the supply base.
Contract & Commercial Management - Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms and conditions, tooling agreements, and long-term supply agreements.
- Ensure contracts align with business objectives, quality expectations, delivery requirements, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Manage commercial escalations and support resolution of supply, quality, or contractual disputes.
- Analyze market conditions, commodity trends, and supplier financial health to mitigate supply risk.
Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work closely with engineering, quality, manufacturing, finance, and supply chain teams to support new product introductions and ongoing production.
- Participate in make-vs-buy decisions and manufacturing strategy discussions.
- Provide technical and commercial input during product development and supplier transition activities.
QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Engineering related field
- 5+ years' experience in Purchasing preferred
- Ability to effectively execute strategies across multi-year plans as well as cross functional teams and make data driven decisions
- CPM or CPSM a plus
- SAP experience preferred
WORKING CONDITIONS - The primary working environment includes both office and manufacturing.
- Some travel may be required
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS - Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Free Life and Disability Insurance
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
- Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to thousands of free online courses
- Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
- Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
- Referral Program with cash bonus
- Access to on-demand pay
- Paid parental leave
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