Senior Buyer

Job Description:

The Senior Buyer is responsible for buying direct materials for production and ensuring appropriate inventory levels are maintained. Perform complex data analysis, recommending action based on insights gained from the analysis. Lead and facilitate process improvement projects, analyzing existing processes and leading improvement initiatives based on data analysis to strengthen ITW capabilities. Supports forecasting geared towards providing early warnings of positive or negative trends in specific areas of the supply chain. Supervises the daily activities of the overall purchasing function, including 1 direct report and sets goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with company's plans and vision.

Company Overview

Our Culture:

The heart and soul of ITW are the more than 48,000 hard-working and dedicated people around the world who thrive in the company’s decentralized entrepreneurial culture. ITW’s unique culture is a competitive advantage, and the company is working hard to make sure that its divisions continue to think and act like smaller companies. ITW businesses have significant flexibility within the framework of the ITW Business Model to customize their approach to best serve their customers and maximize performance. The foundation of our company is the ITW Business Model, a unique and differentiated set of core capabilities and business practices that comprises three key elements: ITW’s 80/20 Front to Back Process, customer-back innovation, and a decentralized entrepreneurial culture.

Our Division:

ITW North American Stamped Fastener Division, (NASF), serves the major OEMs and their tier suppliers in the North American automotive market.  The division supplies stamped metal fasteners and engineered fastener assemblies that leverage our deep-draw stamping technologies.  The annual revenue for the division is approximately $170M.

The division drives profitability by leveraging its innovative solutions and application engineering.  In addition to ITW’s industry leading research and development capabilities, NASF enhances our customers’ competitive advantage by:

• Maintaining advanced engineering and manufacturing facilities in N.A.
• Exchanging product, process and benchmarking information with sister units worldwide.
• Continually improving processes, material and designs to ensure every product exceeds customer specifications while providing unparalleled value.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for sourcing functions such as but not limited to; pricing, outside processing, purchase components and FTB savings.
• Responsible for purchasing component materials, parts, supplies, and equipment following established purchasing policies and procedures and optimizes price, delivery, and terms.   
• Monitoring inventory to support production.
• Identifies potential suppliers and issues requests for quotations. Reviews and approves purchase requisitions.
• Investigates and qualifies suppliers.
• Monitors market trends and conditions; working with the leadership team to provide data and alert team to any potential risks or issues. 
• Developing metrics, that measures existing processes with the aim of presenting findings,
• Facilitating continuous improvements,
• Supervises direct report(s), ensuring they understand the job duties, setting expectations, monitoring employee’s productivity and providing constructive feedback and coaching,
• Supervises all purchasing related activities such as but not limited to, MRO and non-production related purchasing and related receiving.
• Supports all CapEx projects.
• Ensures compliance to all purchasing and finance policies.
• Setting goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with company's plans and vision.
• Follow all rules, regulations and work processes set forth by the company.
• Maintain a safe working environment.

• Attend any ITW required training include but not limited to, safety training, policy training and other training activities.

• Other duties as deemed necessary to meet the needs of the business.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; or 6 years’ working experience comparable with the position.
• Prior ERP experience is required. Working knowledge of SAP ERP system is preferred.  
• Demonstrated negotiation skills to work with suppliers and find front to back savings
• Proficient in Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, Suite, PowerPoint), IT applications and general office equipment.
• Detail-oriented, and well organized.
• Understanding and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to complete work within time constraints,
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common financial reports
• Excellent communication skills (oral/written) and the ability to interact effectively with all levels within the company, clients and customers
• Able to function independently, exercising independent judgment and decision making within his/her level of authority.
• Able to train, lead and coach direct report(s), set expectations, provide and support growth opportunities to help develop new skills and improve performance. 
• Strong leadership characteristics, such as but not limited to:
  • Self-motivated, takes initiative to continuously learn,
  • Thrives on the success of others and the team,
  • Thrives in ambiguous situations.
  • Adapts quickly to new situations and circumstances,
  • Ability to effectively manage direct reports,
  • Self-aware, recognizes his/her strengths and development needs and
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with others.

Working Conditions /Physical Requirements

• Office environment with some plant floor interfacing. Primarily sitting with optional standing and walking.
• Core working hours are Monday through Friday; with overtime, as needed to complete projects
• Ability to lift approximately 35 lbs.   
• Use of computer monitor, keyboard and mouse.
• Low degree of danger or hazard associated with job.
• Able to wear appropriate PPE (safety toed shoes, safety glasses, earplugs or any other required PPE) when in specified areas of the facility.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer committed in policy and practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote, in all job classifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability or other classes protected by federal or state law. ITW does not tolerate harassment of or retaliation against any employee or applicant on the basis of these characteristics, or because the individual exercised his or her EEO rights.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.