Senior Purchasing Category Specialist

Blue Bird • Fort Valley, GA

239d

About The Position

Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the Senior Purchasing Category Specialist is responsible for managing the procurement process to ensure the timely acquisition of goods and services. This position requires a keen eye for detail, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The Senior Purchasing Category Specialist is responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and relevant regulations. This role is crucial in optimizing costs, mitigating risks, and maintaining efficient supply chain operations.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the commercial truck/automotive market.
• Experience in FAB, steel and metals purchasing.
• Ability to accomplish basic financial analysis, supplier selection, and approval.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to perform in high-stress, fast-paced environment.
• Working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or Finance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Managing multiple suppliers and strategies in the FAB team.
• Conducting market research and supplier evaluations to identify potential suppliers.
• Developing and implementing sourcing strategies to optimize cost, quality and delivery.
• Negotiating contracts and terms with suppliers to ensure favorable pricing terms.
• Managing supplier relationships and performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to understand sourcing needs and requirements.
• Monitoring market trends and industry development to identify opportunities for movement.
• Developing cost control, change control, and parts and service support for goods and services procured.
• Ensuring the resolution of CSR and STR cases in an expedited manner.
• Identifying and assigning cost analysis and assess impacts of supplier cost files.
• LN part set-up, PDR creation, and enter approved cost changes.
• LN part updates, PMO/PLM assistance/liaison to OE engineering.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Continued Professional Development.
• Benefits including medical, dental and eye insurance.
• 14 paid holidays.
• Vacation time.
• 401k with match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees