Senior Buyer

Lavelle Industries • Whitewater, WI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Lavelle Industries Inc. is searching for a Senior Buyer at our Whitewater, WI facility. In this role, you will play a key role in driving strategic procurement, supplier performance, cost optimization, and materials management initiatives across our Burlington, Whitewater, and Mexico facilities. This is a highly collaborative and hands-on leadership position focused on continuous improvement, supplier strategy, and operational excellence, with strong potential for future growth into a Procurement Manager role. Lavelle is a woman-owned, family business best known for our Korky® brand of toilet repair products sold throughout the home improvement market. As a vertically integrated manufacturer, we develop proprietary rubber formulations and design innovative products focused on ease of use, manufacturability, and long-term performance. We are a data-driven organization focused on continuous improvement, reducing variation, and investing in innovation across our products, materials, and processes. With ownership actively reinvesting in the business, our goal is simple: to stay in business forever and have fun.

Requirements

• In office position based in Whitewater, WI.
• Must be able to be on site M-F during standard business hours (8-5)
• Ability to travel to our Burlington, WI location as needed.
• Domestic and international travel required to visit suppliers and company facilities
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain & Operations Management or related field preferred
• 5+ years of experience in materials management, planning, and strategic sourcing
• APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) preferred
• Demonstrated success leading supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and market analysis skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word, along with web-based systems and applications
• Strong communication, organization, and decision-making skills
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and problem-solving abilities
• Collaborative relationship-builder with suppliers and cross-functional teams
• Results-driven mindset with a passion for continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing initiatives, and supplier relationship management activities
• Develop sourcing strategies, supplier onboarding processes, and raw material risk mitigation plans
• Conduct market analysis and monitor industry trends to support cost optimization initiatives
• Support inbound freight optimization, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance activities
• Draft and manage service contracts, capital purchases, and procurement process improvements
• Lead materials management strategies to support production, forecasting accuracy, and inventory optimization
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on warehouse efficiency, material flow, inventory accuracy, and inbound logistics performance
• Manage supplier forecasting, stocking strategies, lead-time reduction, on-time delivery, and aged inventory reduction initiatives
• Support new product launches and supplier quality initiatives through cross-functional coordination and corrective action management
• Develop Supply Chain team members while driving accountability and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, dental, disability, and life insurance
• 401k retirement savings plan with company match
• 10 paid holidays plus vacation time
• Casual Dress Code
• Free on-site health clinic with in-person and virtual appointments
• Tuition reimbursement
• Growth-Oriented Company Culture: Korky University Training, Annual Professional Development, Weekly Mentoring Sessions
• Fringe Benefits: Discounts for local businesses, company-wide events, and more
• Defined Path for Career Development

What This Job Offers

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