Senior Buyer

Careen • New Ulm, MN

10h • $75,000 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At Windings, Inc., we don’t just build motors — we power critical missions. For over 60 years, we’ve designed and manufactured custom motors and components used in outer space, on the battlefield, on racetracks, and in deep drilling environments. When failure isn’t an option, customers call us. We’re also 100% employee-owned. As an ESOP since 1998, we aim to contribute 10–12% of your annual pay toward your retirement — at no cost to you. When the company wins, you win. Our mission is simple: Making Our Customer’s Critical Mission Possible. Are you a strategic sourcing professional who thrives in a fast-paced, technical manufacturing environment? Do you enjoy negotiating complex agreements, developing high-performing supplier partnerships, and driving measurable supply chain improvements? If so, we invite you to join Windings as our next Senior Buyer . This position is full time on-site and can sit either at our New Ulm, MN location or at our Eden Prairie, MN office. Position Overview As a Senior Buyer, you will lead strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives that support our global, multi-site operations in electromagnetic solutions. This is a high-impact role focused on ensuring dependable supply of critical materials and services while upholding rigorous quality, delivery, and regulatory standards. You will collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to strengthen supplier performance, mitigate risk, and continuously optimize our supply chain.

Requirements

• Technical & Analytical Expertise Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain dynamics
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand commodity categories, material grades, and manufacturing processes related to electromagnetic solutions
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems
• Business & Negotiation Acumen Proven negotiation and contract management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field — or — 8–10+ years of directly related experience

Nice To Haves

• International sourcing and purchasing experience preferred
• Professional certification (CPSM, CPM, or similar) preferred

Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development Identify, evaluate, onboard, and develop suppliers aligned with Windings’ QMS and customer expectations
• Lead competitive RFQ processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations in support of Sales and Program Management
• Establish long-term agreements for critical application programs
• Supplier Performance & Risk Management Monitor and improve supplier performance through assessments, audits, and structured improvement initiatives
• Proactively mitigate supply risks and develop contingency strategies for both NPI and legacy production
• Support recovery efforts during supply chain constraints to minimize production impact
• Cost Optimization & Operational Excellence Develop and execute cost-saving initiatives
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and lead times to enhance total cost of ownership
• Coordinate purchasing activities across multiple systems to support a multi-site international operation
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical sourcing standards

Benefits

• As an ESOP since 1998, we aim to contribute 10–12% of your annual pay toward your retirement — at no cost to you.
• This position is eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus program based on company performance goals.

What This Job Offers

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