Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading procurement activities for both custom engineered-to-order (ETO) products and standard manufactured products. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and contracts, ensures material availability, and drives cost, quality, and delivery performance across multiple facilities in the New Equipment Business. The Senior Buyer works closely with Engineering, Operations, Production Planning, Quality, and Sales to support customer requirements while maintaining optimal inventory levels and achieving company objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Procure sales order specific materials to meet the required commitment dates to the customer.
• Develop and execute sourcing and purchasing strategies for engineered components, fabricated parts, and standard production materials.
• Manage supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing performance evaluation.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and service agreements to achieve cost savings and supply continuity.
• Issue and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery of materials and services.
• Collaborate with Engineering on new product introductions, design changes, and sourcing of custom components.
• Work with Production Planning and Operations to ensure material availability and support production schedules.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and resolve issues related to quality, cost, and lead time.
• Analyze spending trends and identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvements, and supplier consolidation.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier information, and purchasing data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Ensure inventory is reconciled correctly each month in conjunction with Production Management.
• Lead supplier reviews and develop corrective action plans when performance expectations are not met.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, and applicable regulations.
• Lead, mentor and support buyers and purchasing team members as needed.
• Prepare reports and metrics related to procurement performance, supplier effectiveness, and cost savings initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of purchasing, sourcing, or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience purchasing both engineered-to-order/custom products and standard production materials.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and contract administration skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of material (BOMs).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Experience in industrial equipment, material handling, lifting solutions, or related manufacturing industries.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier development, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience leading supplier performance improvement initiatives.
• Advanced ERP system experience and strong data analysis capabilities.
• Prior experience mentoring or leading purchasing team members.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Work in a manufacturing environment.
• Some travel ~10% - 15%