What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Buyer position at PennEngineering®?
Position Summary
The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading the development and execution of procurement strategies that support production, cost savings, quality standards, and operational efficiency across the organization. This role owns key supplier relationships, leads complex contract negotiations, monitors market trends, and proactively mitigates supply chain risks. The Senior Buyer serves as a subject matter expert and may mentor junior buyers, driving strategic sourcing initiatives, reducing total cost of ownership, and ensuring uninterrupted material availability in support of enterprise business objectives. This role is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and to partner directly with senior leadership on sourcing strategy and supply continuity planning.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
Location
Tonawanda, New York
Requirements
The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading the development and execution of procurement strategies that support production, cost savings, quality standards, and operational efficiency across the organization. This role owns key supplier relationships, leads complex contract negotiations, monitors market trends, and proactively mitigates supply chain risks. The Senior Buyer serves as a subject matter expert and may mentor junior buyers, driving strategic sourcing initiatives, reducing total cost of ownership, and ensuring uninterrupted material availability in support of enterprise business objectives. This role is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and to partner directly with senior leadership on sourcing strategy and supply continuity planning.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for direct and indirect materials and/or services, including manufacturing production components and raw materials
- Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, and complex, longer-term supplier agreements to meet cost, quality, and delivery objectives
- Independently schedule and execute purchasing activities to ensure material availability while minimizing inventory, and serve as a point of escalation for complex or high-risk sourcing decisions
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to qualify alternate materials and suppliers aimed at reducing total costs
- Own supplier performance management through scorecards, audits, and ongoing evaluations, driving corrective action plans where needed
- Lead the resolution of complex supply issues, delays, or discrepancies with vendors and internal teams, including production-impacting escalations
- Prepare purchase orders and maintain accurate ERP data (pricing, MOQs, terms, etc.)
- Monitor market trends, identify emerging risks or opportunities, and adjust sourcing strategies accordingly
- Provide strategic input and recommendations to procurement leadership on cost-saving initiatives, supplier diversification, and supply continuity planning
Location
Tonawanda, New York
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field (advanced degree a plus)
- 8 years of progressive purchasing/procurement experience, including demonstrated ownership of strategic sourcing initiatives; manufacturing buying experience strongly preferred
- Advanced negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills, with a track record of leading high-value or complex negotiations
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (JD Edwards preferred)
- Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making
- Knowledge of sourcing strategies, contract terms, and total cost of ownership principles
- Demonstrated ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders, including senior leadership, around sourcing strategy
- Experience consolidating shipments and optimizing freight to reduce landed costs
- Strong problem-solving abilities with a solution-oriented mindset
- Ability to work cross-functionally and independently in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated experience mentoring or informally leading junior buyers or sourcing team members
- C.P.M., APICS, or CPSM certification is a plus
- Willingness to travel up to 10% for supplier visits, audits, and industry events
- Manufacturing buying experience is strongly preferred, including direct materials, production components, or raw materials sourcing in a manufacturing or industrial setting
- Experience with Microsoft Suite products, particularly Excel
- International sourcing or import/export knowledge
- Experience managing Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs