Buyer, Senior

Aurora, IL

SUMMARY: The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading international and domestic procurement operations that directly impact company success. In this strategic role, youll drive cost savings, negotiate critical supplier contracts, and optimize inventory to meet customer demand while supporting production schedules. As the vital link between suppliers and cross-functional teams, youll leverage your expertise in market analysis, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management to ensure operational excellence. This is an exceptional opportunity for a results-driven procurement professional to make a measurable impact on business performance while working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage procurement activities for international and domestic suppliers to support production schedules and customer demand.
• Develop RFQs/RFPs, negotiate contracts, and select suppliers/contract manufacturers based on cost, quality, delivery, and capability.
• Monitor and resolve supplier performance issues related to quality, lead time, and cost; track on-time delivery metrics.
• Optimize inventory levels to balance material availability with working capital targets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, finance, sales) to align sourcing with business objectives.
• Analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supplier risks to drive cost-reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Negotiate and manage long-term pricing agreements on critical commodities.
• Ensure proper HTS codes are used and maintain compliance with purchasing policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate data in SAP and other procurement systems; update purchasing procedures and work instructions.
• Anticipate supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Supplier Management
• Negotiate agreements and pricing terms
• Inventory Optimization
• Cost Reduction
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor Degree in business, technical, related field or equivalent experience.
• 5 plus years of procurement experience, preferably in a high-mix, low- to medium-volume manufacturing environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of metal fabrication processes and electronic PCB assembly.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and supply chain planning, SAP preferred
• Proven experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing international sourcing.
• Microsoft Office skills.
• Oracle Agile PLM experience a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands 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.

• On site, Aurora IL.
• Required to sit, stand, bend and walk regularly; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Visual and auditory ability sufficient for written and verbal communication.

Salary - $90,000.00 - $95,000.00