Analyst, Procurement - Marketing & Sales Buyer

Whirlpool • Benton Harbor, MI

16h • Onsite

About The Position

This role will be based in Benton Harbor, MI. As a Buyer for Marketing & Sales, you are at the intersection of business strategy and creative execution. You will manage a portfolio of $100M+ annual spend, partnering with our internal teams and external partners to ensure our brands stay at the top of consumers' minds. You will lead the commercial strategy for a diverse and exciting category, including Media, PR, Talent, Digital, Market Research, and Trade Shows. You’ll help us insource creative, production, and digital strategy, directly impacting how we engage with millions of customers across North America. The role is highly cross functional and requires strong collaboration with the Brand & Product Marketing teams, Sales business function leaders, and with Whirlpool’s internal Agency, WoW Studios. Leading your portfolio, you will be responsible and accountable to lead category strategies, sourcing initiatives, supplier selection, and contracting aligned to our Policies and KPIs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 1+ years of experience in Procurement, Business, Finance or Marketing

Nice To Haves

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
• Strong interpersonal, motivational, and influential skills to engage and build rapport with the business.
• Strong customer focus with the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the business
• Successful negotiation experience, contract development and execution, and conflict resolution.
• Strong application of strategic RFP processes, supplier management, and other procurement principles.
• Experience and/or knowledge with Marketing-related services
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and manipulate data.
• Strong planning, organizational, managing, and financial skills
• Proficient PC-related skills.
• Experience using ERP systems and familiarity with e-sourcing tools
• Strong leadership attributes and decision-making abilities.
• Proven ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously, manage, prioritize, and execute multiple key activities.
• Project management in adherence to objectives and milestones.
• Ability to understand the Whirlpool business environment, requirements, and corporate culture

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve supplier performance and commercial relationships
• Negotiate and finalize contracts and/or statements of work with Whirlpool's suppliers
• Resolve daily operational challenges within the supply base
• Develop and execute category strategies to achieve objectives
• Lead category activities with robust management systems, governance, and controls
• Conduct market analysis to inform strategies and implement risk mitigation plans.
• Report out financial results driven by the negotiations
• Drive substantial supply base consolidation through enhanced partnerships with key stakeholders and suppliers
• Prioritize resources and manage critical projects to meet milestones and objectives
• Provide leadership for procurement projects and initiatives
• Deliver outstanding results across critical KPIs, including cost savings and delivery
• Collaborate and influence both internal Business Stakeholders and external Suppliers
• Champion change, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement across processes
• Achieve year-over-year cost reductions across Marketing & Sales categories
• Achieve Supplier Base Rationalization to grow strategic partnerships and drive compliance.
• Develop and execute detailed sourcing strategies across key categories that are required to deliver objectives
• Partner with key stakeholders to improve cross-functional engagement and productivity
• Support business growth through competitive commercial and delivery terms

Benefits

• Generous benefits package
• Whirlpool employee discount
• Fitness reimbursement programs
• Educational reimbursement programs
• Kitchenettes
• Beautiful, recently renovated office space
• Free coffee
• Biking/walking trails
• Access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required)
• Flexibility
• Industry-leading time-off benefits
• Always On Flexibility
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere
• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level