Buyer - Commercial Solutions Division (Hobart Welding Products)

ITW • Appleton, WI

23h

About The Position

The Buyer is responsible for managing finished goods purchasing, inventory planning, and supplier performance for a portfolio of equipment and private-label accessory products serving U.S. retail and e-commerce customers. This role translates demand forecasts, customer programs, and marketing initiatives into supply plans that optimize product availability, inventory investment, and customer service. As the primary supply chain partner to Sales, Marketing, and Operations, the Buyer aligns demand with supply capabilities, manages global supplier relationships, coordinates import activities, and provides inventory and fulfillment guidance to support business growth and customer satisfaction. The Buyer is accountable for key supply chain metrics including inventory turns, on-time delivery/fill rate, supplier performance, and working capital management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business Management, or related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, inventory planning, supply planning, or supply chain management.
• Experience managing global suppliers and import supply chains.
• Demonstrated ability to balance customer service, inventory, cost, and supply chain risk.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and influencing skills.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
• Highly organized with strong prioritization and time management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with retail or consumer products
• Experience with eCommerce or omnichannel retail

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute inventory, replenishment, and stocking strategies based on demand variability, lead times, on-time delivery objectives.
• Translate forecasts, customer programs, and marketing initiatives into purchasing and supply plans.
• Establish and manage inventory targets and safety stock levels to balance product availability, inventory investment, and supply risk.
• Own key supply chain performance metrics including inventory turns, supplier on-time delivery, and working capital performance.
• Manage purchasing activities for finished goods and accessory products, monitoring past-due POs, and engaging in supplier follow-up.
• Build and manage relationships with domestic and international suppliers, including negotiation, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate global supply and import activities, working with logistics providers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to ensure reliable inbound supply.
• Plan purchasing activities around production schedules, holidays, lead times, and global logistics constraints.
• Monitor supplier performance and inbound shipments, proactively addressing delays, disruptions, and supply risks.
• Serve as the primary supply chain partner to Hobart Welding Products Sales, Marketing, and Operations, providing guidance on inventory availability, lead times, and order fulfillment feasibility.
• Evaluate large or non-standard customer orders and provide data-driven recommendations to support these customers.
• Collaborate with Marketing to ensure inventory readiness for promotions, campaigns, and product launches.
• Drive cost reduction, working capital, and profitability initiatives through strategic sourcing and purchasing decisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve supply chain processes, planning effectiveness, and operational performance.

Benefits

• 401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution
• 11 paid holidays
• 5 sick days
• Vacation time
• Company-Paid Life insurance
• Company-Paid AD&D insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability insurance
• Company-Paid Long-Term Disability insurance
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• Adoption reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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