Strategic Buyer, Direct Materials

Wieland North America • Louisville, KY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Wieland is hiring a Strategic Buyer, Direct Materials. The Strategic Buyer conducts strategic sourcing activities supporting the organization's objectives for value-driven vendor partnerships and focused on risk management, reliability, and cost effectiveness. Participates in supplier negotiations and contract preparation using structured processes. Coordinates with internal stakeholders to define material, quality, and service requirements. The role supports vendor partnerships and monitors performance using established KPI's, goals, and scorecards. This role will help integrate new sources, methods, and vendors to ensure a reliable supply of materials. Reviews market intelligence and analysis to anticipate price fluctuations. The strategic buyer will use ERP systems and other software tools to manage processes, create efficiencies, and control costs. This role is located in Louisville, KY and will be fully on-site. While this role is local, occasional travel to other locations will be required (15-20% travel).

Requirements

• B.S. degree in business or a technical-related discipline.
• 7-10 years of procurement experience, preferably in a centralized structure.
• Ability to travel at least 15% including internationally.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, SAP S4, SAP Ariba)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of strategic category planning, total cost of ownership, and fact-based negotiation.
• Expertise in financial modeling, product/category management, supplier analysis, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Skilled in internal stakeholder collaboration, influencing, and change management.

Responsibilities

• Establish long-term, cost-competitive supplier relationships at high-performance standards and manage internal stakeholders from different Business Units.
• Work closely with Procurement and different internal departments to monitor KPIs, track progress, and adjust strategies to ensure continual improvement of Cost and Quality performance.
• Build, develop and execute commodity strategies for different material groups and external processing steps.
• Drive digitalization of our key suppliers through system integration of transactions and communications and continuously improve internal processes to reduce operational workload.
• Implement the Wieland global standard process.
• Overall responsibility for identification, evaluation, and the approval process of new suppliers that meet Wieland's performance standards and compliance requirements.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Disability
• Life
• 401(k) contribution + match
• Paid Vacation
• Holidays
• Wellness Programs (earn healthcare premium discounts and HSA employer contributions)
• Eco-friendly solutions

What This Job Offers

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