Commodity Buyer

Commodity BuyerResponsible for leading the strategic sourcing and procurement of materials and services to meet company production needs while optimizing cost, quality, and supplier performance. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating high-value contracts, and identifying advanced technologies, alternatives, and cost-savings opportunities and will prepare data for both internal and external reviews.The Commodity Buyer will assess market trends, mitigate supply chain risk, and ensure procurement activities comply with regulatory and sustainability standards. This role interfaces cross-functionally.Responsibilities:Strategic Sourcing:Develop and implement long-term procurement strategies for key materials such as metals, alloys, and other foundry-related supplies and services to support production and organizational requirements.Develop and implement a clear, concise, and transparent sourcing process, alternative bid mechanisms, negotiating and prepare Board of Directors recommendations.Supplier Relationship Management:Establishing and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, developing long term strategies, and ensuring that suppliers meet quality, delivery, and cost targets.Cost Management and Reduction:Identify cost-saving opportunities through better supplier terms, bulk purchasing, alternative materials, and improved procurement processes.Develop and execute forecasts and budgets that support corporate objectives.Inventory Management Collaboration:Work closely with inventory control teams and plant controllers to align procurement activities with inventory needs, avoiding overstock or shortages.Develop min/max strategies and lead-time efficiencies.Review past dues to ensure on-time delivery.Generate purchase orders to replenish stock.Quality Assurance:Ensure that all purchasing materials meet the required technical specifications and quality standards. Coordinating with quality, program management and engineering teams to resolve any material related issues or concerns.Develop, communicate, provide feedback and rehabilitate or replace underperforming vendors, as necessary and appropriate.Risk Management:Assess and mitigate risk in the supply chain, including market volatility, supplier reliability, geopolitical influence, environmental impacts, and potential disruptions.Develop contingency plans and develop and maintain alternative supplier options.Market Analysis:Conduct ongoing analysis of market trends, material price fluctuations, technology advancements and supply chain developments to adjust procurement strategies as needed.This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all of the "essential functions" for purposes of the ADA.Education/Experience Requirements:Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management or related field or equivalent combination of experience and education.5+ years of procurement/sourcing experience, including direct commodity or category managementStrong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skillsExperience analyzing market/commodity price trends and total cost of ownershipExperience with index-based or hedged commodity pricing structuresAdditional Information:Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel and OutlookStrong written and oral communication skillsStrong organizational and time management skillsExcellent analytical skills for problem solvingDetail orientedAbility to work in a fast paced environmentAbility and willingness to take on projects; participate in department cross trainingIf selected for consideration, candidates must successfully complete a selection process that includes interviews, reference check/verification, and a pre-employment drug screen.Benefits: Waupaca Foundry offers competitive wages and exceptional benefits, including:Medical, dental, visionShort and long term disabilityLife insurance401(k)Employer funded retirement planPaid vacations/holidaysWellness programFitness membershipEmployee assistance program (EAP)Employer supported career development, including tuition reimbursementWaupaca Foundry is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.