Senior Buyer

At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact. As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you'll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that's always looking ahead. Rite-Hite is seeking a Senior Buyer to join our team out of our Dubuque location. In this role, you'll lead strategic sourcing and supplier management initiatives while ensuring the timely procurement of materials that keep our manufacturing operations running smoothly. Working cross-functionally with internal teams and supplier partners, you'll drive cost, quality, and supply performance to support our business and customers. Safety Responsibilities: Support and promote a culture of safety. Follow all Company and OSHA safety policies and procedures. Proper use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) Report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly Job Responsibilities: Develop and execute supplier strategies aligned with cost, capacity, quality, and service objectives, ensuring mid-term supply continuity and operational stability. Lead supplier negotiations, long-term agreements, and pricing strategies to optimize total cost of ownership while supporting cost savings and avoidance initiatives across the business. Drive supplier performance management through scorecards, performance reviews, and corrective action plans to improve delivery, quality, and reliability. Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks, including capacity constraints, single-source dependencies, and material availability issues, ensuring proactive continuity planning. Analyze part consumption patterns, demand variability, and supply conditions to define and influence inventory strategies, including safety stock, service levels, and inventory turns. Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align sourcing strategies with production schedules, capacity constraints, and new product development (NPD) requirements. Support new product development by evaluating supplier capability, capacity, and readiness, and advising on sourcing and material flow strategies during NPD phases. Monitor demand, capacity, and market trends to proactively recommend sourcing, planning, and risk mitigation strategies. Provide guidance and mentorship to Buyer/Planner roles, ensuring effective purchase order management, issue resolution, and adherence to procurement best practices. Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement, planning, and ERP/MRP processes, including automation, data accuracy, and process efficiency enhancements. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment. Certifications/License None required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Strong strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation skills. Proven ability to analyze data and balance cost, service, and risk. Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (JD Edwards preferred). Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Strong communication, influence, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Education & Experience Experience supporting complex or configurable manufactured products. Experience leading cost reduction or value engineering initiatives. Experience using supply chain tools (e.g. Supplier EDI, Spendonomics, Procurable). Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, JD Edwards) preferred. Certifications/License APICS (CPIM or CSCP), CPSM, or similar certification preferred. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Experience mentoring or leading others in a non-direct supervisory capacity. Strong financial acumen and understanding of total cost of ownership. Role Specific Compliance Requirements Ability to meet customer site access and safety requirements (if applicable) Must meet company motor vehicle record (MVR) standards (if driving is required) Ability to pass background check Eligibility to work in the United States Work Location, Schedule and Environment Work Environment: Office environment with regular interaction with manufacturing and suppliers. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion, the employee may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel may be required. Disclaimer: All responsibilities and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This Job description in no way states or implies that these are the only responsibilities to be performed by an employee occupying this job. This job description is subject to change, and the employer retains the right to change or modify the duties of this job at any time. What We Offer At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people - because when you're supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work: Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more. Financial Security: A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing. Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year. Join us and build a career where you're supported - at work and beyond. Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans. We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and customers.