Buyer 3

Knorr-Bremse•Avon, OH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer 3 manages the supply base to meet Global Purchasing Excellence (GPE) strategic objectives and the needs of internal and external customers, Product Business Teams (PBTs), and Manufacturing across quality, cost, delivery, and commercial terms. The role is responsible for assigned commodities, related sourcing strategies, cost reduction, and supplier relationships. The position develops and implements commodity strategies; evaluates and selects suppliers; negotiates supply agreements; and rationalizes the supply base. It drives cost reduction and productivity initiatives, including supplier transitions, and supports continuous supply-chain improvement through long-term agreements and value engineering. The Buyer 3 also develops and manages strategic supplier relationships, supports supplier quality improvement, and assists plants with strategic and supplier performance issues. The role works in a global matrix environment and collaborates across Knorr-Bremse regions and locations. It is based on-site in Avon, Ohio, and reports to the Regional Category Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 5–7 years of strategic and tactical experience as a Buyer or purchasing representative.
Expertise in supply-base methodologies, principles, practices, and procedures.
Understanding of production control, material planning, and MRP.
In-depth knowledge of acquisition regulations and legal requirements for purchasing goods and services domestically and internationally.
Understanding of business marketing and sales needs and the ability to incorporate them into supply-chain decisions.
Fundamental knowledge of the assigned category.
Leadership, problem-solving, multitasking, prioritization, attention to detail, and results-driven skills.
Ability to demonstrate supplier improvement and implement cost reduction programs.
Self-motivated, creative, and proactive approach to solving problems.
Strong project-management, organization, communication, negotiation, interpersonal, and intercultural skills.
Ability to work across Knorr-Bremse regions and locations and adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Manufacturing-industry experience preferred.
Experience in a global purchasing organization preferred; ERP experience, including SAP, preferred.
Experience using multiple approaches to cost reduction, including negotiation, design changes, and joint supplier programs.
Exposure to leading teams.
Business, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering degree preferred.
CPM or CPIM certification is a plus.
Green Belt certification preferred.
Master’s degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and manage commodity strategy.
Evaluate and select suppliers, including global opportunities; negotiate supply agreements and rationalize the current supply base.
Develop and execute cost reduction and productivity initiatives aligned with commodity strategy, including project management of supplier transitions.
Drive continuous improvement in the supply chain through long-term agreements and value engineering.
Develop and implement actions to achieve commodity supply-chain goals for zero PPM, 100% delivery performance, and productivity.
Support and/or lead supplier quality improvement programs related to the managed commodity.
Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships while supporting Bendix and Knorr-Bremse supply-chain strategies and leveraging global synergies.
Provide support to plants on strategic and supplier performance issues.
Lead or assist in a global matrix organization and drive results, including motivating people, providing constructive feedback, and supporting professional development.
Manage projects by setting priorities, identifying risks and opportunities, managing resources, milestones, and costs in a matrix or cross-functional organization.