Strategic Buyer

Bettcher Career•Birmingham, OH

About The Position

Key Responsibilities Execute purchasing activities , including issuing, maintaining, and managing purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery and uninterrupted supply. Manage supplier relationships and commercial terms , including pricing, contracts, lead times, and performance expectations . Negotiate pricing and cost improvements with suppliers while maintaining quality, delivery, and service requirements. Analyze data to identify cost reduction opportunities and drive supply chain and operational efficiencies . Support sourcing and supplier transition activities , including part transfers, supplier changes, and launch readiness. Coordinate with product development and engineering to support new product introductions (NPI) , including sourcing, costing, and supplier readiness. Support inventory optimization initiatives , including replenishment planning, inventory levels, and working capital improvement . Prepare and maintain cost analyses , including total cost of ownership (TCO) , pricing comparisons, and variance analysis. Develop and support make-versus-buy analyses , including cost modeling and supplier capability assessments . Maintain and update PFEP (Plan for Every Part) data to support accurate planning and purchasing decisions. Develop and maintain purchasing and supply chain reports , including cost savings, supplier performance, and initiative status . Manage and maintain ERP system data integrity , with responsibility for Infor Syteline purchasing, inventory, and planning transactions . Apply LEAN principles to identify waste and improve purchasing and supply chain processes. Perform other duties as assigned in support of supply chain and operational objectives. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of strategic sourcing and tactical purchasing , including purchase order management, supplier negotiations, and contract administration . Proficiency with ERP purchasing systems , preferably Infor Syteline , including PO execution, supplier pricing maintenance, and data accuracy . Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capability, supporting pricing decisions, supplier selection, and inventory planning . Effective communication and negotiation skills to manage suppliers and resolve delivery, pricing, or quality issues . Proficiency in total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis , including material, labor, overhead, logistics, tariffs, and lifecycle cost considerations. Ability to develop and execute sourcing initiatives that support cost reduction, on-time delivery, and business unit financial objectives. Working knowledge of manufacturing operations, materials planning, and inventory management concepts , including PFEP, Kanban, and safety stock methodologies. Experience supporting new product introductions (NPI) through cross-functional collaboration with engineering, operations, and product development teams. Ability to conduct and support make-versus-buy analyses , including cost modeling, capacity evaluation, and supplier capability assessments. Demonstrated ability to apply LEAN principles to identify waste, improve processes, and drive continuous improvement across the supply chain. Effective project management and prioritization skills , capable of managing multiple initiatives and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work independently and collaboratively , exercising sound judgment and influencing decisions through fact-based recommendations.

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in supply chain, or a related discipline .
A bachelor’s degree with a focus on Supply Chain Management .
Strong experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting , with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel .
Demonstrated experience identifying, analyzing, and evaluating cost drivers across products, sites, regions, or supply chains.
Experience working effectively in cross-functional teams , including operations, engineering, finance, and product development.
Experience operating in a LEAN manufacturing or continuous improvement environment , with a working knowledge of inventory planning and control methodologies , including Just-In-Time (JIT), Kanban, Min/Max , and related replenishment strategies.
Experience with ERP systems (in a manufacturing setting, is helpful); Infor Syteline experience is helpful .

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a manufacturing environment, is helpful.
Experience in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

Execute purchasing activities , including issuing, maintaining, and managing purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery and uninterrupted supply.
Manage supplier relationships and commercial terms , including pricing, contracts, lead times, and performance expectations .
Negotiate pricing and cost improvements with suppliers while maintaining quality, delivery, and service requirements.
Analyze data to identify cost reduction opportunities and drive supply chain and operational efficiencies .
Support sourcing and supplier transition activities , including part transfers, supplier changes, and launch readiness.
Coordinate with product development and engineering to support new product introductions (NPI) , including sourcing, costing, and supplier readiness.
Support inventory optimization initiatives , including replenishment planning, inventory levels, and working capital improvement .
Prepare and maintain cost analyses , including total cost of ownership (TCO) , pricing comparisons, and variance analysis.
Develop and support make-versus-buy analyses , including cost modeling and supplier capability assessments .
Maintain and update PFEP (Plan for Every Part) data to support accurate planning and purchasing decisions.
Develop and maintain purchasing and supply chain reports , including cost savings, supplier performance, and initiative status .
Manage and maintain ERP system data integrity , with responsibility for Infor Syteline purchasing, inventory, and planning transactions .
Apply LEAN principles to identify waste and improve purchasing and supply chain processes.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of supply chain and operational objectives.