Strategic Buyer

Ralliant • Elizabethtown, NC

4d

About The Position

We are seeking a Strategic Buyer to support our sourcing organization in a fast‑paced, multi-site manufacturing environment. This role focuses on executing sourcing initiatives, supporting cost reduction efforts, and managing supplier relationships across assigned commodities while partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Materials, and Finance.

The Strategic Buyer plays a key role in translating commodity strategies into execution—supporting negotiations, supplier selection, and cost‑out initiatives—while building the analytical and commercial foundation required for broader sourcing responsibilities. This position supports a high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing model and provides meaningful exposure to strategic sourcing, supplier management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• BS/BA in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, planning, sourcing, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated interest in negotiation and supplier management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis), Word, and PowerPoint.
• Self-starter with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to influence without authority and collaborate across functions.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 15–20%.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in low-volume, high-mix manufacturing is a plus.
• Lean manufacturing knowledge (kanban, reorder points, inventory optimization) preferred.
• Experience working with ERP systems and data extraction tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support material cost improvement initiatives through RFQs, quote analysis, and negotiations.
• Execute tactical sourcing activities aligned with established commodity strategies.
• Analyze and track Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE) events and cost-out funnel tracking.
• Support vendor consolidation initiatives and supplier rationalization projects.
• Manage day-to-day supplier relationships for assigned commodities.
• Issue and manage RFQs, conduct bid analysis, and support supplier selection decisions.
• Assist in negotiating pricing, MOQ/POQ/LT’s, and commercial terms aligned to business standards.
• Partner with suppliers to improve quality, delivery, and lead-time performance.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and escalate issues as needed.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Materials, and Finance teams.
• Support New Product Development sourcing activities including early supplier involvement.
• Work with Materials and Planning teams to support inventory optimization initiatives.
• Assist in implementation of best practices across supply chain processes.
• Analyze commodity trends, pricing indices, and supply market conditions.
• Perform ERP system queries and develop data-driven cost models.
• Prepare presentations and business cases supporting sourcing decisions.
• Maintain sourcing funnel documentation and project tracking tools.

What This Job Offers

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