The Strategic Buyer – Direct Materials (North America) is responsible for driving strategic sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, and leading commercial negotiations across assigned commodities. This role plays a critical part in optimizing cost, quality, and delivery performance while strengthening a competitive and resilient supply base.
This position partners closely with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Operations, and serves as an integrated member of the global commodity organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier selection, RFQs, contract negotiation, and cost reduction programs
- Develop and implement commodity strategies aligned with business objectives and annual savings targets
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms with domestic and international suppliers
- Evaluate supplier capabilities, performance, and risks to ensure quality, reliability, and continuity of supply
- Manage end-to-end procurement activities from sourcing through contract execution and delivery
- Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery metrics
- Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and supplier quotations to support data-driven decision making
- Identify and execute localization opportunities (transition from foreign to North American sourcing where applicable)
- Lead or support annual price negotiations and business planning for assigned commodities
- Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve supplier-related escalations (quality, logistics, pricing discrepancies)
- Maintain and strengthen supplier relationships to support long-term strategic partnerships
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior buyers, as applicable
- Participate in global commodity teams and initiatives, including potential international collaboration or travel
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field
- 3+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain roles
- Proven experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing commercial relationships
- Experience in strategic sourcing and cost savings initiatives within a manufacturing environment
- Exposure to direct material purchasing (e.g., metals, castings, hydraulics, components, or similar)
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret pricing structures, cost drivers, and market data
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Excel
Preferred
- Experience with commodity management or regional/global sourcing strategies
- Familiarity with international supply chains and foreign sourcing
- Experience supporting supplier development and localization initiatives
- Knowledge of quality and logistics escalation processes
The salary range for this position is $82,900 to $91,000 annually based on experience.
Indefinite U.S. work authorized individuals only. Future sponsorship for work authorization unavailable.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability / veterans
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