Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Buyer to support strategic sourcing and supplier management for automotive aftermarket commodities in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This Contract position plays an important role in strengthening supply continuity, improving cost performance, and building effective supplier partnerships for a growing machinery manufacturing portfolio. The ideal candidate will combine strong commercial judgment with analytical skills to guide purchasing decisions and support cross-functional business objectives.

Responsibilities:
• Create and carry out category plans for assigned commodities to support long-term supply goals and business growth.
• Manage supplier relationships from selection through ongoing performance oversight, including qualification, onboarding, and development activities.
• Conduct commercial discussions with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, service expectations, agreement terms, and long-term value.
• Identify opportunities to combine purchasing volume across product lines in order to improve leverage and lower overall spend.
• Track market conditions, cost influences, tariffs, and sourcing risks while recommending near-shore or global supply options as needed.
• Build cost analyses, review supplier quotations, compare market benchmarks, and contribute to annual savings initiatives.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to align sourcing decisions with operational and product requirements.
• Support product introduction timelines by securing suppliers and materials that meet launch schedules and program needs.
• Maintain sourcing records, reporting tools, and category insights while ensuring procurement activities follow company policies and established best practices.• 5+ years of experience in buying, sourcing, or procurement within manufacturing or a related industrial environment.
• Background in supplier negotiations, contract management, and strategic sourcing for direct materials or commodities.
• Knowledge of supply chain management, purchasing operations, and material planning principles.
• Ability to evaluate market trends, cost drivers, and supplier performance to support informed purchasing decisions.
• Experience working with ERP platforms, including SyteLine or Syteline ERP.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, finance, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Solid analytical, organizational, and communication skills for managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.