Senior Buyer

PennEngineering® • Tonawanda, NY

2d

About The Position

The Senior Buyer leads the development and execution of procurement and sourcing strategies that support production, cost savings, quality standards, and operational efficiency. The role owns key supplier relationships, leads complex contract negotiations, monitors market trends, and proactively mitigates supply chain risks. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Senior Buyer partners directly with senior leadership on sourcing strategy and supply continuity planning, serves as a subject matter expert, and may mentor junior buyers. The role drives strategic sourcing initiatives, reduces total cost of ownership, and ensures uninterrupted material availability in support of enterprise business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive purchasing or procurement experience, including ownership of strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Advanced negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills, with a record of leading high-value or complex negotiations.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems; JD Edwards is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Knowledge of sourcing strategies, contract terms, and total cost of ownership principles.
• Ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders, including senior leadership, around sourcing strategy.
• Experience consolidating shipments and optimizing freight to reduce landed costs.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience mentoring or informally leading junior buyers or sourcing team members.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% for supplier visits, audits, and industry events.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree is a plus.
• Manufacturing buying experience, especially sourcing direct materials, production components, or raw materials in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• C.P.M., APICS, or CPSM certification.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite products, particularly Excel.
• International sourcing or import/export knowledge.
• Experience managing Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing strategies for direct and indirect materials and/or services, including manufacturing production components and raw materials.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, and complex, longer-term supplier agreements to meet cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Schedule and execute purchasing activities independently to ensure material availability while minimizing inventory; act as an escalation point for complex or high-risk sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to qualify alternate materials and suppliers and reduce total costs.
• Manage supplier performance through scorecards, audits, and ongoing evaluations, and drive corrective action plans where needed.
• Resolve complex supply issues, delays, and discrepancies with vendors and internal teams, including production-impacting escalations.
• Prepare purchase orders and maintain accurate ERP data, including pricing, minimum order quantities, and terms.
• Monitor market trends, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and adjust sourcing strategies accordingly.
• Provide procurement leadership with strategic recommendations on cost-saving initiatives, supplier diversification, and supply continuity planning.
• Mentor and guide junior buyers, sharing best practices in negotiation, supplier management, and sourcing strategy.

What This Job Offers

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