Strategic Buyer

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE

Support the business by identifying strategic sourcing opportunities and developing commodity strategies. Responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, qualifying new and evaluating existing suppliers, leading the RFQ (Request for Quote) process, negotiating contracts and pricing agreements, and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM.) Support the Operational Procurement team as needed. Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and contribute to overall supply chain performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies for assigned commodities categories, aligning with business goals and market trends.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and reliability.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships by developing and executing supplier development programs that enhance performance, foster collaboration, and drive continuous improvement to ensure a reliable and resilient supply base.
• Lead commercial discussions and negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular reviews to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., engineering, production, finance) to align on procurement needs and specifications, while partnering with the sustainability team to ensure ethical and responsible sourcing practices across the supply base.
• Analyze market trends and potential risks to anticipate supply chain disruptions, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain robust contingency plans to ensure continuous supply.
• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute category strategies, driving cost savings and implementing process improvements across the supply chain.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, and track key metrics to support business reporting and decision-making.
• Interact with internal stakeholders and external suppliers in a professional and timely manner to ensure business needs are met.
• Perform supplier evaluations, requests for quote, competitive bids, and monitor quality of product.
• Collaborate with RFE (Request for Expenditure) requesters to support pre-work and execution of the approved RFE.
• Lead procurement projects in support of SSAB growth and improvement projects.
• Support the organization's operational workflow (issue POs, stock reorders.)

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related and7+ years of procurement experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment ; OR High School Diploma with 10+ years of manufacturing procurement experience.
• Contract and Supplier Expertise: Solid understanding of contract law, supplier relationship management, and cost analysis methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in MS 365, the ability to quickly learn new systems, and familiarity with AI tools.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders effectively. Persuasive 'change agent' capable of challenging conventional wisdom.
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively and communicate clearly across all levels of the organization.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with peers, cross-functional teams, and key stakeholders.
• Very good organizational, time management, and teamwork skills.
• Efficient, proactive, a continuous improvement mindset, and exceptional commitment to accuracy and quality.

Preferred

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• Experience with global sourcing and supplier development
• Experience managing commodities or contracts
• Experience in Capital Project Procurement Support
• Experience in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES / DIRECT REPORTS

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.


The employee will be required to sit, stand, and/or walk as follows:

• Alternate sitting, walking, and standing throughout the day

The position requires the following talking, vision and hearing capabilities:

• Talking person to person, on the phone, and in a group setting
• Hearing in person, on the phone, and in group a setting
• Vision at near, midrange, far, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus

The position requires the following pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying capabilities:

• Push, pull, lift, and/or carry items weighing 20 pounds or less

The employee will occasionally be required to:

• Drive or travel by airplane
• Balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and climbing
• Feeling (sensing temperatures and textures) with both hands together or separately
• Handling (gross motor; gripping; holding; grasping) with both hands together or separately
• Fingering (fine motor) with both hands together or separately
• Reaching or twisting at waist/desk level
• Reaching above shoulder
• Reaching below waist level

The employee will frequently be required to:

The employee will be required to work in the following conditions: (While wearing safety equipment and/or clothing for protection from hazards)

• Inside; outside occasionally in hot, cold, and humid conditions
• Occasionally amid noise
• Occasionally amid mechanical, electrical, chemical, and industrial magnet hazards

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Position is Full Time, typically Monday-Friday
• Occasionally (less than 10%) travel by car or airplane

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that

may be required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.