Strategic Buyer- Direct Materials NA
About The Position
The Strategic Buyer – Direct Materials (North America) drives strategic sourcing initiatives, manages supplier relationships, and leads commercial negotiations across assigned commodities. The role helps optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance while strengthening a competitive and resilient supply base. It partners with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Operations and participates as an integrated member of the global commodity organization. The position manages procurement from sourcing through contract execution and delivery, develops commodity strategies aligned with business objectives and annual savings targets, and works with domestic and international suppliers. It may include guidance and mentorship for junior buyers, participation in global commodity initiatives, and potential international collaboration or travel.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 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, such as metals, castings, hydraulics, components, or similar.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret pricing structures, cost drivers, and market data.
- Proficiency in ERP systems; SAP is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Indefinite U.S. work authorization; future sponsorship for work authorization is unavailable.
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, including transitioning 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 involving quality, logistics, or 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.
Benefits
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Work-life balance and flexibility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
