Strategic Buyer, Contract Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Strategic Buyer with an Engineering background to lead sourcing and supplier management activities for third-party contract manufacturers. This role is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, cost reduction programs, supplier performance management, and commercial contract negotiations while partnering closely with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge and has experience working collaboratively with external manufacturing partners to improve quality, delivery, productivity, and total cost of ownership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management  

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for outsourced manufacturing of finished products.   
• Manage relationships with third-party contract manufacturers and strategic suppliers.  
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, technical competencies, and operational performance.  
• Lead supplier selection, RFQ/RFP processes, supplier benchmarking, and sourcing decisions.  
• Monitor supplier KPIs including cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and inventory performance.  

Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction  

• Partner with contract manufacturers to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives.  
• Drive year-over-year cost reduction programs through value engineering, process optimization, lean manufacturing, and supply chain efficiencies.  
• Facilitate executive-level supplier business reviews and oversee root cause analysis with corrective action plans to ensure sustained performance improvements. 
• Identify opportunities for productivity improvements, waste reduction, and process standardization across the supply base.  

Contract & Commercial Management  

• Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms and conditions, tooling agreements, and long-term supply agreements.  
• Ensure contracts align with business objectives, quality expectations, delivery requirements, and risk mitigation strategies.  
• Manage commercial escalations and support resolution of supply, quality, or contractual disputes.  
• Analyze market conditions, commodity trends, and supplier financial health to mitigate supply risk.  

Cross-Functional Collaboration  

• Work closely with engineering, quality, manufacturing, finance, and supply chain teams to support new product introductions and ongoing production.  
• Participate in make-vs-buy decisions and manufacturing strategy discussions.  
• Provide technical and commercial input during product development and supplier transition activities.  

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering related field 
• 5+ years’ experience in Purchasing preferred 
• Ability to effectively execute strategies across multi-year plans as well as cross functional teams and make data driven decisions 
• CPM or CPSM a plus 
• SAP experience preferred 

WORKING CONDITIONS  

• The primary working environment includes both office and manufacturing.
• Some travel may be required

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS  

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.