Senior Buyer

Job Title: Senior Buyer Date: June 12, 2025 Department: Purchasing Reports to: CFO Position Summary: The Senior Buyer is a dual-role leader responsible for both hands-on procurement activities and management of junior buyers or cross-functional sourcing projects. This position requires strong commodity tracking and market research capabilities, in-depth supplier engagement, and a strategic approach to sourcing and cost management. The Senior Buyer will lead initiatives to develop supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, manage inventory, and execute cost-saving opportunities across multiple Bradford production sites. In addition, this role includes overseeing supplier performance, identifying risk and opportunity in the supply base, and contributing to the overall strategic direction of the Supply Chain function. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Strategic and Managerial Responsibilities: * Lead and mentor junior buyers or cross-functional purchasing teams to achieve departmental goals. * Develop and implement commodity strategies, using market research and industry analysis to drive procurement decisions. * Monitor commodity pricing trends, supply chain disruptions, and global events to make proactive sourcing recommendations. * Drive supplier relationship management programs to strengthen partnerships with key suppliers. * Establish and track procurement KPIs, including cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory turns. * Support the Director of Supply Chain in developing sourcing strategies aligned with company goals. * Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and participate in cross-departmental projects as needed. Operational (Working Buyer) Responsibilities: * Responsible for raw material purchases to support production across all Bradford production sites. * Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve annual cost reduction targets. * Maintain appropriate inventory levels by managing order quantities and delivery schedules. * Optimize supplier order quantities to reduce inventory days and carrying costs. * Continuously source and qualify new suppliers to ensure second-source options for key materials. * Monitor and adjust materials orders based on production needs and inventory levels. * Collect and maintain supplier documentation including MSDS/SDS, spec sheets, and certifications. * Collaborate with Production Planning to align materials availability with production schedules. * Assist in the negotiation, management, and renewal of service contracts, ensuring compliance with contract terms. * Manage and track customer-supplied materials. * Support materials return processes and resolve supplier-related issues. * Lead and contribute to supply chain and operational improvement projects. Working Relationships: Internal: * Collaborate with Planning, Operations, Sales/NPD, Warehouse, Accounting, Lab, and Marketing teams to ensure seamless material flow and procurement alignment. External: * Engage directly with key suppliers, service providers, and equipment/tooling vendors. * Build long-term, strategic relationships with suppliers to ensure service, quality, and supply continuity. * Interface with customers regarding customer-supplied materials when applicable. Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related discipline * 5+ years of experience in procurement, including at least 1-2 years in a leadership or senior buyer capacity * Demonstrated ability to manage suppliers and lead procurement projects independently * Strong analytical skills for commodity tracking, market analysis, and cost reduction initiatives * Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills * Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); Oracle ERP experience a plus * Highly organized and self-motivated, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability * Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment * Strong leadership presence with a "roll-up your sleeves" mentality Working Conditions: * Primarily office-based with occasional exposure to operational environments * Limited travel may be required for supplier visits, industry events, or production site support