Senior Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Waukesha, WI
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

We are seeking an experienced Senior Sourcing Analyst to support our manufacturing operations by ensuring the continuous, cost-effective supply of purchased materials. This role manages a significant annual spend—up to $50M—and owns the full sourcing and procurement lifecycle for assigned materials and suppliers. You will play a strategic role within the organization, partnering cross-functionally to deliver year-over-year improvements in material cost, quality, availability, and inventory performance. The ideal candidate will have expertise in SAP/MRP systems, strong supplier relationship management, and the ability to develop and qualify suppliers to maintain long-term competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing, Procurement & Planning

• Analyze SAP MRP and stock status to place and manage purchase orders supporting production schedules
• Expedite materials as needed to meet manufacturing requirements
• Negotiate supplier pricing, payment terms, and rebates independently or in partnership with the Strategic Sourcing Team
• Establish and maintain parameters such as minimum buys, rounding values, reorder points, and safety stock to ensure lowest Total cost of Ownership
• Identify optimal material flow paths from supplier to point-of-use to minimize material handling

Supplier Management & Development

• Own supplier relationships for major and critical suppliers within assigned commodities
• Monitor supplier performance related to price, quality, delivery, and responsiveness
• Resolve supplier-related issues including delivery delays, quality concerns, design changes, and cost discrepancies
• Lead supplier development and qualification initiatives in collaboration with Engineering and Quality
• Ensure transparency, consistency, and fairness in supplier interactions while minimizing risk and cost exposure

Inventory & Cost Optimization

• Own and manage on-hand inventory levels while achieving inventory turn targets
• Analyze usage patterns and long-lead-time materials to ensure future supply continuity
• Prevent excess and obsolete inventory through proactive planning and coordination
• Design and implement sourcing strategies to achieve year-over-year cost reductions, quality improvements, and inventory optimization

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Materials Management, or a related field
• Minimum 8 years of experience in sourcing, material control, or supply chain roles within a technical, engineered to order manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of MRP systems; SAP experience strongly preferred
• Analytical and strategic planning skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across all organizational levels

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business or a technical field
• APICS, CPIM, CSCP, CPMS, or other recognized supply chain certifications
• Six Sigma and/or quality systems experience

Why Join Us?

Culture:

• We take pride in a culture rooted in strong values, meaningful behaviors, and a deep sense of purpose. Our commitment to our people, community, and the environment shapes who we are and how we work. At Prolec, you’ll feel supported, included, and connected.

Leadership:

• Our leadership philosophy centers on inclusivity, growth, and transparency. We invest in our people through comprehensive training, ongoing professional development, continuous coaching, and clear performance expectations - empowering everyone to achieve their highest potential.

Environment:

• We create an environment where employees can excel. From modern facilities and collaborative spaces to innovative technology and engaging company events, we provide the tools and atmosphere that enable high-quality work and seamless teamwork.

Wellness:

• We recognize that well-being extends beyond the workplace. That’s why we support our employees and their families through programs that promote personal, financial, physical, and family wellness. Our holistic approach ensures you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Prolec-GE Waukesha, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by applicable law.