Position Summary
The Buyer is responsible for managing assigned commodities and supplier relationships to ensure Sunnen receives the highest quality materials, on time, at the lowest total cost. This position balances tactical purchasing responsibilities with strategic sourcing initiatives that improve supplier performance, reduce cost, minimize supply chain risk, and support company growth. The Buyer works closely with Engineering, Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, Accounting, and Suppliers to ensure material availability while driving continuous improvement across the supply base.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned commodity groups.
Solicit competitive quotations and negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, contracts, and commercial terms with suppliers.
Create and manage purchase orders based on ERP/MRP requirements.
Monitor supplier commitments and expedite critical materials to support production schedules.
Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory.
Identify, qualify, and develop new suppliers to improve cost, quality, delivery, and capacity.
Monitor supplier performance using key performance indicators including on-time delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness.
Lead supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
Identify and implement annual cost savings opportunities through supplier negotiations, competitive bidding, value engineering, and alternate sourcing.
Manage material costs and recommend actions to improve overall cost performance, including monitoring price trends.
Manage supplier contracts and ensure compliance with commercial terms and company policies.
Utilize Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel to analyze purchasing trends, supplier performance, inventory, and spending.
Partner with Engineering, Planning, Manufacturing, and Quality to support new product introductions and resolve supply chain issues.
Qualifications - Required
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or sourcing.
Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
Experience with ERP/MRP purchasing systems.
Demonstrated ability to identify and implement cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives.
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities
Qualifications - Bonus
Experience purchasing in a discrete manufacturing environment.
Experience sourcing precision machined components, sheet metal fabrications, castings, forgings, electronic components, electrical assemblies, hydraulics, bearings, motors, industrial hardware, abrasives, tooling, and OEM manufactured components.
Experience with strategic sourcing, commodity management, or category management.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.