Senior Buyer

Brief DescriptionPosition SummaryThe Senior Buyer plays a critical role in ensuring the organization’s supply chain is efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with operational goals. This position drives strategic sourcing initiatives, strengthens supplier relationships, and optimizes procurement processes to support production continuity and business growth.Key Impacts Cost Optimization: Identifies and implements cost-saving opportunities through strategic negotiations, supplier consolidation, and market analysis. Supply Continuity: Ensures uninterrupted material availability by proactively managing supplier performance, lead times, and risk mitigation strategies. Strategic Sourcing: Leads sourcing initiatives aligned with company objectives, including quality, cost, delivery, and innovation. Supplier Relationship Management: Builds and maintains strong partnerships with key vendors to improve service levels, responsiveness, and long-term value. Operational Efficiency: Streamlines procurement processes and leverages ERP/MRP systems to improve accuracy, cycle time, and data-driven decision making. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Planning, and Finance to support product launches, resolve supply issues, and enhance performance. Compliance & Risk Management: Ensures adherence to company policies, contracts, and regulatory requirements while reducing supply chain risk.Key Responsibilities Lead procurement of direct materials, components, and outsourced services critical to production. Align purchasing strategies with production plans and capacity requirements to ensure uninterrupted operations. Proactively manage and resolve supply shortages, quality issues, and schedule changes. Develop and maintain supplier relationships, including performance reviews, scorecards, and corrective action plans. Execute negotiations to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and ensure long-term supply continuity. Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Planning, Quality, and Finance on production and process initiatives. Analyze market trends, material cost drivers, and supplier capabilities to inform sourcing decisions. Monitor and manage ERP/MRP purchasing signals to ensure accurate PO generation, tracking, and system integrity. Partner with Finance to ensure procurement data accuracy and strong purchasing processes. Act as escalation point for supplier delivery and quality issues, driving root cause resolution. Drive lean procurement initiatives, including JIT, VMI, and supplier consolidation. Lead cost reduction efforts measured through purchased price variance (PPV) and savings vs. baseline. Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including single-source dependencies and end-of-life components. Ensure compliance with internal controls, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. Perform other duties as assigned.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) On-Time Material Availability Cost Savings (% vs. baseline) Supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD) Supplier Quality (PPM) Inventory Turns / Days of Supply Purchase Order Accuracy and Cycle Time Supply Chain Risk Mitigation ActionsRequirements Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred 5+ years of purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., UKG, SAP, Oracle) Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills