Sr. Buyer

LATICRETE International•Bethany, CT

About The Position

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty? At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, family-owned for three generations, and can be found in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal even named us one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies in 2017! We don't just make innovative, industry-leading products. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we operate. We are seeking passionate and ambitious employees who want to make a difference not just within our organization, but within their communities, our industry, and the world. If that sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? Join the family and expand your horizons! Just some of our benefits: Medical Dental Vision 401k Tuition reimbursement 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time Flexible spending Life Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance 1 week paid plant shutdown between the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays The Senior Buyer leads complex purchasing activities across assigned categories, ensuring continuity of supply at optimal total cost and risk posture. In addition to executing daily buying, the Senior Buyer analyzes market insights, drives cost‑savings and process improvements, conducts supplier business reviews, and leads cross‑functional initiatives that advance Procurement’s objectives and deliver measurable business outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Finance or the equivalent work experience.
Proven 10+ years experience in procurement, inventory management, or supply chain roles.
Demonstrated results in cost reduction, supplier performance improvement, and cross‑functional project leadership.
Excellent communication, stakeholder influence, and the ability to manage multiple complex priorities with minimal oversight.
Strong understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems and data parameters.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
Proficiency in inventory control techniques and inventory management software.
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally 10-15%.
Must be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 25 pounds.
Must be able to push/pull 25 pounds.
Must be able to stand 25% of the day.
Must be able to sit 75% of the day.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification (CPM/CPIM/CSCP) preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement stocking models considering factors such as demand forecasts, lead times, logistics, and supplier capabilities.
Conduct regular reviews and adjustments to stocking models based on changing demand patterns to maintain optimal inventory levels.
Support inventory risk identification (e.g., potential stockouts, long lead time exposure) and communicate mitigation options to Planning and Procurement leadership.
Review and maintain purchasing master data (e.g., lead times, order multiples, safety stock) and planning parameters to reflect current supply and supplier capabilities.
Execute MRP action messages and translate approved demand signals into timely purchase actions to maintain targeted inventory and service levels.
Create and manage purchase orders in line with cost, quality, and delivery targets; track orders and coordinate inbound logistics to meet need dates.
Confirm acknowledgments and update stakeholders on order status and changes.
Resolve day-to-day supplier issues (price, delivery, invoice discrepancies), escalating to management as needed.
Identify and implement cost‑savings initiatives (e.g., alternate materials/suppliers, freight consolidation, hub-and-spoke models) with clear benefits tracking.
Analyze market insights and apply this knowledge for proactive risk assessment to make data‑driven buying and hedging decisions; provide category input to leadership.
Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers to ensure reliability, quality, and timeliness of deliveries.
Capture delivery/quality issues and escalate to suppliers and internal management as appropriate.
Conduct regular supplier business reviews, evaluating performance (OTIF, quality escalations, cost, responsiveness) and driving corrective actions and improvement roadmaps.
Champion ethical sourcing practices and sustainability initiatives within the supply chain, working closely with suppliers to promote responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
Partner with Demand Planning on forecast signals.
Coordinate with Operations, Warehousing/Logistics, and Finance to align purchasing activity with production schedules and cash flow considerations.
Contribute to clear, timely status updates to enable cross-functional decision making.
Identify and lead process improvement initiatives within the assigned portfolio.
Lead cross‑functional Procurement initiatives from initiation through benefits realization, ensuring actions are executed, stakeholders remain aligned, and intended cost, service, or risk‑reduction outcomes are achieved. (e.g. alternate-source qualification and design-to-cost with R&D and Engineering).
Serve as an escalation and mentoring point for Buyers, providing guidance on complex issues, sharing best practices, and supporting capability development to drive continuous improvement across the team.