Senior Buyer
AerotekJob Title: Senior BuyerJob Description
The Senior Buyer manages procurement and supplier relationships across two sites while supporting the integration of legacy purchasing processes into a standardized, data-driven sourcing model. This role focuses on improving procurement discipline, enabling forecast-driven purchasing, and shifting from reactive buying to a strategic approach that optimizes c
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ost, strengthens supplier performance, and standardizes processes in alignment with strategic sourcing.
Responsibilities
• Manage procurement activities and supplier relationships for two sites, ensuring alignment with organizational sourcing strategies.
• Support the Director of Strategic Sourcing in integrating legacy procurement processes into standardized systems and operating models.
• Drive the transition from manual, decentralized purchasing to standardized, system-driven workflows.
• Execute purchase orders in line with demand forecasts and planning parameters to minimize expediting and reactive purchasing.
• Establish and maintain accurate master data, including lead times, minimum order quantities (MOQs), pricing, and supplier information.
• Perform detailed data analysis and apply financial skills to identify opportunities to leverage scale and drive measurable cost savings.
• Apply total cost analysis to sourcing decisions to optimize overall value and cost of ownership.
• Lead supplier negotiations and manage supplier performance across multiple categories.
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, cost savings, and contract alignment to support strategic sourcing goals.
• Develop and maintain an adequate inventory strategy, including inventory turns and safety stock, to meet organizational and customer service level goals.
• Manage and maintain the Approved Supplier List, improving procurement visibility, reporting, and supplier performance tracking.
• Coordinate with cross-functional partners to support supplier selection, contract negotiations, and ongoing supplier relationship management.
• Support contracting activities with regional direct and indirect suppliers.
• Utilize ERP and MRP systems, including forecasting modules, to support planning and purchasing activities.
• Use Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office tools to analyze data, prepare reports, and support decision-making.
• Guide or mentor less experienced buyers, sharing best practices and supporting their development.
• Support and maintain a Lean Material Flow manufacturing environment where applicable.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment, including supporting integration activities related to mergers and acquisitions when needed.
• Follow environmental and safety regulations and act in compliance with applicable US laws.
• Comply with corporate guidelines on safety, business ethics, and professional conduct.
Essential Skills
• Bachelors degree in Business, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 46 years of purchasing experience, including at least 23 years of contracting and supplier negotiation experience.
• Proven experience leading supplier negotiations and managing supplier performance across multiple categories.
• In-depth knowledge of ERP and MRP systems and their application in procurement and planning.
• Working knowledge of total cost analysis and the ability to apply it to sourcing decisions.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable cost savings and positive supply chain results.
• Excellent understanding of statistical concepts used to formulate safety stock quantities to meet customer service levels.
• Experience with ERP forecasting software to support demand planning and purchasing decisions.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and solid skills in other Microsoft Office applications including Word and Outlook.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work indep