Purchasing Buyer, Senior

United Utilities Supply, headquartered in Louisville, KY, is recognized as one of the leading material supply organizations serving the rural electric market. United Utility Supply (UUS) is owned by member cooperatives in 20 states. As a full line stocking distributor, UUS supplies a complete line of materials critical to the electric utility industry. This includes Transformers, Conductor, Pole line Hardware, Lighting, Underground Accessories, Grounding Equipment, Guying, Insulators, Protective Equipment, Distribution and Transmission Poles, Utility Tools, and Safety Supplies.
This role supports the development and execution of procurement strategies aligned with UUS goals and objectives. development, tracking, and analysis of vendor performance metrics; and support of contract negotiations, key initiatives, and risk mitigation efforts. The position owns the purchasing of high-value resale materials across multiple warehouse and consignment locations and supports both the procurement and sales teams with the vendor quoting process. In addition, the role provides support to the UUS leadership team through participation in strategic planning sessions, trade shows, and other special projects. All work is performed under the general supervision of the Procurement Supervisor and the Vice President of Operations.
Lead and manage strategic vendor relationships to achieve quality, service, and cost objectives aligned with UUS goals. Continuously evaluate the vendor portfolio to identify growth opportunities, risks, and performance gaps.
Coordinate and communicate vendor pricing updates, product changes, performance results, and related strategies across the organization to ensure alignment and clarity.
Establish, monitor, and report monthly vendor performance metrics, using data analysis to evaluate operational results and trends.
Support negotiations on pricing, service levels, and contract terms to drive cost savings and overall value.
Create and manage timely, accurate purchase orders for resale materials, coordinating purchasing activity to maintain emergency stock levels while optimizing inventory levels.
Collaborates with internal teams to provide the necessary information for customers during the quotation process, including price, quality, lead time, technical information, documentation, and samples as needed.
Lead preparation and compilation of materials for key leadership forums, including quarterly reporting and planning sessions.
Support the leadership team by participating in sales meetings, trade shows, end-user events, and special projects.
Assist with emergency response efforts, including coordinating storm shipments, alternate products, and expedited delivery with vendors.
4-year bachelor's degree in business management or other related fields preferred.

Minimum 5 years' procurement or vendor relations experience including contract negotiations required.
Strong strategic analytical and forecasting skills required, Power BI and ERP experience helpful.
Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, with strong aptitude in MS office suite and internet-based business-related computer programs.
CRM experience preferred
Up to 20% travel may be required.
Project management experience helpful.

Company funded pension plan
~ Health, dental, vision, and life insurance