Strategic Buyer- Direct Materials NA

Rexroth•Lincolnshire, IL

About The Position

The Strategic Buyer – Direct Materials (North America) is responsible for driving strategic sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, and leading commercial negotiations across assigned commodities. This role plays a critical part in optimizing cost, quality, and delivery performance while strengthening a competitive and resilient supply base. This position partners closely with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Operations, and serves as an integrated member of the global commodity organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field
3+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain roles
Proven experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing commercial relationships
Experience in strategic sourcing and cost savings initiatives within a manufacturing environment
Exposure to direct material purchasing (e.g., metals, castings, hydraulics, components, or similar)
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret pricing structures, cost drivers, and market data
Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Excel

Nice To Haves

Experience with commodity management or regional/global sourcing strategies
Familiarity with international supply chains and foreign sourcing
Experience supporting supplier development and localization initiatives
Knowledge of quality and logistics escalation processes

Responsibilities

Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier selection, RFQs, contract negotiation, and cost reduction programs
Develop and implement commodity strategies aligned with business objectives and annual savings targets
Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms with domestic and international suppliers
Evaluate supplier capabilities, performance, and risks to ensure quality, reliability, and continuity of supply
Manage end-to-end procurement activities from sourcing through contract execution and delivery
Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery metrics
Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and supplier quotations to support data-driven decision making
Identify and execute localization opportunities (transition from foreign to North American sourcing where applicable)
Lead or support annual price negotiations and business planning for assigned commodities
Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve supplier-related escalations (quality, logistics, pricing discrepancies)
Maintain and strengthen supplier relationships to support long-term strategic partnerships
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior buyers, as applicable
Participate in global commodity teams and initiatives, including potential international collaboration or travel