Senior Buyer

Waytek, Inc.•Chanhassen, MN

7d•$75,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the strategic management of assigned suppliers, inventory performance, and supply chain initiatives. This position focuses on supplier relationships management, cost reduction, inventory optimization, forecasting, risk mitigation, and long-term supply continuity. The Senior Buyer serves as the primary business contact for key suppliers, leads supplier performance reviews, and mentors Buyers on purchasing best practices.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred.
Minimum 5-7 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or inventory management experience.
Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing.
Strong analytical, financial, and inventory management skills.
Experience leading supplier performance improvement initiatives.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive business results.
Ability to mentor and develop less experienced purchasing team members.

Responsibilities

Manage strategic relationships with key suppliers and maintain regular business reviews.
Develop and execute supplier performance improvement plans focusing on delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness.
Lead negotiations for pricing, terms, freight agreements, and supply contracts.
Analyze root cause of inventory shortages and develop both short-term and long-term corrective actions plans.
Develop and implement back-order reduction strategies.
Evaluate supplier capacity, risk, and business continuity concerns.
Identify and implement dual sourcing opportunities where appropriate.
Review and adjust safety stock levels, purchasing parameters, and inventory strategies to supply company goals.
Monitor supply on-time delivery, quality performance, non-conformance trends, and corrective actions.
Maintain accurate forecasting inputs, usage flags, and inventory planning data.
Review and approve purchasing decisions, within established authority levels.
Resolve complex supplier issues, escalations, and supply chain disruptions.
Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies involving quantity variances, freight charges, and supply fees.
Collaborate with Product Management, Operations, and Sales on new product introductions and supply chain initiatives.
Lead supplier business review and continuous improvement initiatives.
Mentor and supply Buyers in supplier management and purchasing best practices.
Utilize data analysis and reporting tools to identify opportunities for inventory, cost, and service improvements.
Perform other duties and assigned.