Strategic Buyer
About this role
We are seeking a Strategic Buyer to drive supplier selection, sourcing strategies, and contract management that support our business goals. In this role, you will identify and evaluate suppliers, negotiate agreements, and collaborate cross-functionally with teams to optimize cost, mitigate risk, and improve supplier performance.
What you’ll do:
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to support capacity needs, improve competitiveness, and introduce innovation into the supply base. • Develop and execute long-term sourcing strategies that support organizational goals, including cost optimization, risk reduction, and supplier innovation. • Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, leading high-level negotiations on contracts, pricing, terms, and multi-year agreements to secure competitive and sustainable value. • Collaborate with production and logistics on capex-spend for projects. • Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, engineering, quality, and finance to understand business needs, forecast demand, and align procurement strategy with organizational priorities. • Conduct market and spend analyses to identify opportunities for consolidation, cost savings, and supplier performance improvements. • Lead supplier selection and evaluation processes, including RFQ development, bid analysis, and award recommendations based on total cost of ownership and strategic fit. • Monitor supplier performance using defined metrics (cost, quality, delivery, risk) and drive continuous improvement initiatives with key suppliers. • Partner with the quality department on supplier audits, performance reviews, and corrective action planning to ensure compliance and long-term capability. • Proactively identify risks in the supply base and propose mitigation strategies, including dual-sourcing, inventory planning, and supplier development efforts. • Work with management to develop solutions for sourcing challenges and present strategic recommendations for decision-making. • Oversee contract lifecycle management, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with company policies. • Track market trends, industry developments, and emerging technologies to inform sourcing strategies and provide insights to leadership. • Ensure timely and accurate procurement activities by coordinating closely with suppliers to maintain delivery, quality, and service expectations.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor's degree from four-year College or University • AND 4 to 6 years related Sourcing/Purchasing experience • OR a combination of education and experience • Strong understanding of electronic components, materials, and manufacturing processes • Proven Purchasing experience, preferably within the electronics industry • CPIM or CSCP certification preferred