Senior Buyer

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Supply Chain Manager this position will plan, develop and execute commodity strategies on a global scale. Responsibilities include management of supplier performance, negotiation of pricing and supplier relations building to achieve continuous improvement of the supply chain.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform tactical purchasing activities for assigned areas of spend
• Drive material availability
• Utilize the Visual system to generate a list of material needs to plan POs against
• Follow-up with suppliers to ensure material will arrive as needed
• Expediate material as needed to fulfill customer expectations
• Manage and control costs with suppliers
• Align suppliers with lean manufacturing strategy by driving supply base to demand-based replenishment
• Negotiate annual Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) and blanket purchase orders
• Source commodities for best quality, delivery and cost
• Maintain data within JWC’s enterprise data management system (Visual)
• Establish and maintain accurate lead times
• Maintain accurate delivery dates within the ERP system.
• Manage day to day rejected material discrepancy reports to ensure timely return of material.
• Participates in Material Review Board meetings as needed and communicate the results to suppliers.
• Promptly communicate NCMs with suppliers and seeks corrective actions.
• Resolve shipment quality discrepancies by mediating supplier/manufacturing issues.
• Develop procurement strategy for assigned commodities
• Analyze direct materials spend
• Identify and quantify containment opportunities
• Develop and communicate plan
• Aggressively identify strategic opportunities for effective supply sourcing and management
• Use lean tools and methodology to identify savings opportunities
• Lead continuous improvement projects with key suppliers
• Develop preferred supplier list by commodity and initiates formal requests for quotation or proposal.
• Measure supplier performance across all key metrics and Identify ways to work with suppliers to improve it
• Conduct supplier site visits to evaluate production capacity and define plans to improve performance, delivery and other key business criteria.
• Quality, Delivery, Cost Reductions, Lead-time reduction and Raw Inventory Velocity
• Interface with all departments to insure quality standards are met
• Assist with special projects
• Protect Company confidential information
• Strive to promote the Company image at all times

Education, Experience, & Skills:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Highly self-motivated, flexible, reliable, strong work ethic, dependable team player, positive, constructive attitude.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment with experience in supply chain / procurement.
• Strong knowledge of procurement and negotiating techniques, principles and concepts.
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements related to procurement.
• Outstanding business etiquette and procurement ethics.
• Experience in industrial procurement of castings, machined parts, custom fabrication and other components in the United States, China and other global markets. Strong OSM/OSP experience required.
• General knowledge and ability to apply continuous improvement techniques to purchasing and related areas.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present information to suppliers, team members, team leaders and top management.
• Ability to interact with JWC Managers, Directors and VPs to communicate market trends and business concerns.
• Attention to detail, while keeping the big picture in focus.
• Computer skills compatible with standard software (Microsoft Office, SAP).
• Strong negotiating, communication and analytical skills.
• Able to travel as required performing supplier evaluations and order reviews at their factories.

Desirable: APICS, Lean SixSigma, CPM/CPSM certification

What we offer you:

• 401K plan with up to a 6% company match
• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability
• PTO
• Health savings account with employer matching
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• Motivating wellness program
• Paid time off plus 12 paid holidays

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

At Sulzer, you are empowered to deliver superior results. As a pioneer in industry we have a proud heritage of innovation and continue to evolve for the future. Join our story and create your own impact by developing your expertise and building solutions that help make our lives safer, smarter and more sustainable

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2025 in Brazil, China, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Come and join our story!