Sr. Buyer, Direct Materials

Reference: PR/606090_1786974525SUMMARYWe are a global manufacturer of engineered products and assemblies, supporting OEM customers through complex manufacturing, seeking a Senior Buyer to lead sourcing strategy, supplier management, and procurement operations for a portfolio of direct material commodities.This position offers a blend of strategic sourcing and hands-on purchasing leadership, providing the opportunity to drive supplier performance, influence category strategy, support cost improvement initiatives, and mentor a growing procurement team.RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned commodities and supplier portfolios.Lead supplier selection, RFQs, negotiations, and sourcing decisions for new and existing products.Negotiate pricing, lead times, commercial terms, and supply agreements to support business objectives.Proactively assess future material requirements, supplier capacity, and supply chain risks to develop contingency plans, maintain supplier continuity, and ensure production needs are met without disruption.Own supplier performance management, including KPIs, scorecards, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.Drive cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and supply continuity efforts across the supply base.Partner with Engineering, Planning, Production, and Quality teams to support new product launches, engineering changes, and material availability.Identify supply risks, market trends, and cost drivers while providing recommendations to leadership.Support day-to-day purchasing activities as needed, including order management, supplier follow-up, and issue resolution.Serve as an escalation point for complex supplier, sourcing, and procurement-related challenges.Mentor and support Buyers and Purchasing Specialists, providing guidance on supplier management, negotiations, and procurement best practices.Review sourcing recommendations and purchasing activities to ensure alignment with company objectives and procurement standards.Contribute to process improvement initiatives, training efforts, and long-term category management strategies.Act as a key procurement representative on cross-functional projects and business initiatives.QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent experience considered.5+ years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.Experience managing direct commodities (metals, electronics, electrical, plastics, and/or glass), supplier portfolios, or sourcing programs with ownership of supplier strategy and performance.Analytical mindset to proactively anticipate material requirements, supply risks, and capacity constraints, ensuring procurement activities stay ahead of production demandProven success with supplier negotiations and competitive sourcing events.Experience mentoring, coaching, or providing guidance to procurement professionals.Ability to read technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and bills of materials.Strong ERP system experience; SAP experience is a plus.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.