Senior Buyer

Position: Senior Buyer (Strategic Sourcing / Manufacturing)Location: Eden Prairie, MN (5 Days Onsite)Employment: 6 Month Contract-To-Hire (High Likelihood of Conversion)Pay Rate: $43 - $55 / HourlyConverting Salary Range: $88,000 – $115,000 (based on experience) Job DescriptionWe are seeking a Senior Buyer who brings deep buying expertise, strong analytical capability, and the confidence to lead strategic sourcing initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who is considered a subject matter expert and is operating at the level of people leadership. The Senior Buyer will own supplier strategy, drive measurable improvements, and partner cross-functionally to influence cost, delivery, and performance outcomes. Key ResponsibilitiesLead strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier negotiations focused on total cost and performanceAnalyze spend, inventory, and supplier data to identify savings and improvement opportunitiesDevelop and manage supplier performance metrics and corrective action plansDrive long-term category strategies while balancing tactical executionPartner closely with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to align sourcing decisionsServe as a go-to expert for complex supply challenges and supplier relationshipsSupport and mentor less experienced buyers as needed Required Skills & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field7+ years of progressive buying or sourcing experience in a manufacturing environmentDemonstrated ownership of strategic sourcing, category management, or supplier developmentAdvanced analytical skills with experience driving decisions through dataStrong ERP/MRP experience (SAP preferred)Advanced Excel skills and comfort analyzing complex spend and inventory dataExperience developing and managing supplier KPIs and performance improvement plansProven ability to lead initiatives, influence stakeholders, and drive change Nice to Have Skills & ExperienceExperience with Power BI, data visualization, or dashboard developmentBackground in hydromechanical, fabrication, or engineered componentsExperience leading sourcing projects or mentoring junior buyersExposure to cost modeling, contract negotiations, or long-term category strategyCertifications such as CPSM, APICS/ASCM, Six Sigma (not required)