Senior Buyer

At Windings, Inc., we don’t just build motors — we power critical missions.

For over 60 years, we’ve designed and manufactured custom motors and components used in outer space, on the battlefield, on racetracks, and in deep drilling environments. When failure isn’t an option, customers call us.

We’re also 100% employee-owned. As an ESOP since 1998, we aim to contribute 10–12% of your annual pay toward your retirement — at no cost to you. When the company wins, you win.

Our mission is simple: Making Our Customer’s Critical Mission Possible.

Are you a strategic sourcing professional who thrives in a fast-paced, technical manufacturing environment? Do you enjoy negotiating complex agreements, developing high-performing supplier partnerships, and driving measurable supply chain improvements? If so, we invite you to join Windings as our next Senior Buyer.

*This position is full time on-site and can sit either at our New Ulm, MN location or at our Eden Prairie, MN office.

Position Overview

As a Senior Buyer, you will lead strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives that support our global, multi-site operations in electromagnetic solutions. This is a high-impact role focused on ensuring dependable supply of critical materials and services while upholding rigorous quality, delivery, and regulatory standards.

 
You will collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to strengthen supplier performance, mitigate risk, and continuously optimize our supply chain.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development

• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and develop suppliers aligned with Windings’ QMS and customer expectations
• Lead competitive RFQ processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations in support of Sales and Program Management
• Establish long-term agreements for critical application programs 

Supplier Performance & Risk Management

• Monitor and improve supplier performance through assessments, audits, and structured improvement initiatives 
• Proactively mitigate supply risks and develop contingency strategies for both NPI and legacy production 
• Support recovery efforts during supply chain constraints to minimize production impact 

Cost Optimization & Operational Excellence

• Develop and execute cost-saving initiatives 
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and lead times to enhance total cost of ownership 
• Coordinate purchasing activities across multiple systems to support a multi-site international operation 
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical sourcing standards

What You Bring

Technical & Analytical Expertise

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain dynamics 
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand commodity categories, material grades, and manufacturing processes related to electromagnetic solutions 
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities 
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems

Business & Negotiation Acumen

• Proven negotiation and contract management skills 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities 
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment 
• International sourcing and purchasing experience preferred 

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field  — or — 8–10+ years of directly related experience 
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Professional certification (CPSM, CPM, or similar) preferred 

Why Join Windings?

At Windings, you’ll play a key role in supporting critical applications that demand precision, reliability, and performance. You’ll have the opportunity to influence supplier strategy, drive operational improvements, and collaborate with technical experts across the organization.

 
If you’re ready to take ownership of strategic sourcing initiatives and make a measurable impact across a global supply chain, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary Description:

$75,000 - $95,000 annual DOQ

We are committed to providing pay ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. The listed pay range is provided in good faith and is subject to adjustments in accordance with company policies and market conditions.

This position is eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus program based on company performance goals. Bonus payouts are not guaranteed and are determined at the company's discretion.

Physical Requirements:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Specific vision ability by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Requirements:

Because employees in this position must handle information covered by the International Trade and Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), successful applicants will be: (1) required to verify their identity and their status as a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or person granted refugee or asylee status (or equivalent) in the U.S.; OR (2) undergo additional steps, including but not limited to licensure from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and/or the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Windings is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected Veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

No Soliciting

Windings will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to Windings job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Windings Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Windings Talent Acquisition team.