Russ Hadick & Associates has partnered with a dynamic global company to find an experienced Strategic Buyer who will be responsible for driving the commodity and sourcing strategy across key categories. This role involves global oversight to meet quality, delivery, and cost goals. As the Strategic Buyer, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing supplier relationships, negotiating favorable terms, and executing sourcing strategies that align with business growth and sustainability objectives.
Job Summary:
The Strategic Buyer is tasked with implementing a global sourcing strategy to meet the company’s cost reduction, lead time, and quality objectives. You will lead the identification, qualification, and development of suppliers, manage competitive bidding processes, and negotiate contracts that deliver the best total cost for the organization. With a focus on continuous improvement, you will also analyze and track performance metrics, create should-cost models, and proactively address supplier risks. This role requires a collaborative individual with a strong ability to communicate across teams and drive strategic initiatives that support business development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned categories to achieve cost reduction, lead time, and quality improvement targets, including Best Cost Country (BCC) and regional sourcing strategies.
- Identify and qualify new suppliers, building a strong network to support strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Manage competitive bid processes to secure favorable pricing and delivery schedules, ensuring alignment with overall sourcing objectives.
- Negotiate purchase agreements, long-term contracts (LTAs), and other agreements with the global supply base to ensure best total cost.
- Track and report on key performance indicators, including cost reduction, terms improvement, lead time, and quality metrics, using supplier scorecards and internal tracking tools.
- Act as a key contact for internal requests regarding expedited quotes or deliveries, ensuring customer expectations are met.
- Drive cash flow improvements through negotiations with suppliers and implement strategic initiatives to enhance overall supplier performance.
- Create and utilize should-cost models for categories, challenging pricing from single-source suppliers to optimize costs.
- Assess and mitigate risks within the supplier base, developing risk profiles and strategic plans for assigned categories.
- Support business development efforts by sourcing components for new programs, aiding in growth and market expansion.
- Participate in and lead continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain, driving best practices across the procurement function.
- Complete additional special projects as assigned, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field.
- An MBA and/or professional certifications (CPM, APICS) are highly desirable.
Experience:
- 3-5+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or logistics, with a background in global supply chain strategy.
- Demonstrated experience in creating and executing category sourcing strategies and developing high-performing supplier networks.
- Experience with low-cost country sourcing strategies is a plus.
- Willingness to travel as needed to support supplier management and development.
Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of supply chain and procurement best practices, with a strong results orientation and a proactive approach.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with MRP or ERP systems (such as SAP, JDE, or EPICOR).
- Excellent project management, problem-solving, and time management abilities, with strong attention to detail.
- Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, with proven success in negotiations and the ability to build strong internal and external relationships.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently while meeting deadlines, with experience in Continuous Improvement or Lean Process Development (Green Belt preferred).
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence and drive change.
This role is an opportunity for a driven Strategic Buyer to join a company where you can make a significant impact on the organization’s global sourcing strategy. If you are passionate about supply chain management and are ready to take on new challenges, we encourage you to apply!
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