SR Buyer

Putzmeister•Sturtevant, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Putzmeister is a world-class leader in concrete pump manufacturing and support, known for innovation, reliability, and excellence. When you join our team, you're not just taking a job — you're becoming part of a global legacy that builds the future, one pour at a time. The Senior Buyer reports to the Head of Operations (purchasing) America, with a dotted line to the Global Category Manager, and plays a critical role in managing and optimizing the procurement process to ensure the organization acquires goods and services at the best possible value. This position leads purchasing activities for needed materials, negotiates with suppliers, and maintains strong vendor relationships to support operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The Senior Buyer analyzes market trends, evaluates supplier performance, and collaborates closely with operations, engineering, and other cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives. The role has an international scope, including supporting sourcing activities for PM Brazil. This role requires a strategic thinker who can balance quality, cost, and delivery timelines while mitigating risks associated with supply chain disruptions. Ultimately, the Senior Buyer ensures that procurement activities contribute to the company's profitability and competitive advantage.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement or purchasing, ideally 5–7 years sourcing materials in a manufacturing environment.
Experience working in a global environment with international suppliers and teams.
Strong knowledge of procurement processes, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
Technical understanding and ability to interpret technical drawings; fluent with the metric system.
Advanced data analysis skills to support strategic decision-making.
Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office 360; familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; proven project management capability.
Excellent written and verbal English skills; able to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
Valid passport and driver’s license or eligibility to obtain one.
Result-oriented mindset and commitment to Putzmeister principles: teamwork, cooperation, respect, and integrity.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification such as CPSM, CPM or CPIM.
International logistics experience.
Hands-on SAP MM experience.
Bilingual in Spanish, Portuguese, or German.

Responsibilities

Contribute to and implement purchasing and commodity strategies (grow, maintain, exit) that align with company goals, global category strategies, and budget constraints.
Lead material sourcing for Putzmeister America and support sourcing activities in Brazil.
Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, price, delivery, and service capabilities.
Prepare, analyze, and award RFQs, capturing all requirements (part numbers, drawings/specifications, volumes) and contract terms consistent with commodity strategy.
Negotiate contracts and terms with vendors to secure favorable pricing and conditions, targeting the lowest total cost of ownership, including long-term agreements, make-or-buy analyses, market tests, and clauses to mitigate raw material and currency fluctuations.
Analyze market trends and supplier markets to identify opportunities for cost savings, risk reduction, and process improvements.
Define, monitor, and report supplier performance (quality, cost, on-time delivery) using KPIs and scorecards; drive corrective actions and resolve issues related to quality, delivery, or compliance.
Support monthly supplier on-time delivery meetings and co-lead supplier quality, capacity, and development meetings with the supplier.
Collaborate with production, engineering, finance, and logistics to forecast demand, manage inventory levels, and ensure continuity of supply (production, aftermarket, MRO).
Issue and maintain purchase orders in SAP/MRP for first samples or long-term contracts.
Identify and execute cost savings opportunities to meet strategic targets.
Negotiate and mitigate economic increases, piece prices, design changes, tooling, expedite, and cancellation costs.
Resolve invoicing issues with suppliers.
Mentor and guide buyers; develop and present training to internal customers.
Create and improve procurement and cross-functional processes to achieve best practices.
Ensure compliance with company policies, ISO requirements, legal requirements (incl. import/export and customs regulations), and ethical standards in all purchasing activities; maintain purchasing records per retention guidelines.