Senior Strategic Buyer

We are seeking a highly analytical, results-driven Senior Strategic Buyer based in Detroit, Michigan to drive material cost performance across multiple manufacturing sites. This role sits at the intersection of Supply Chain and Finance and is critical to protecting margin, improving cost accuracy, and strengthening supplier accountability.

This position owns Purchase Price Variance (PPV) performance and partners closely with site buyers, Finance, Accounts Payable, and strategic suppliers to resolve discrepancies, identify savings opportunities, and support enterprise cost initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Cost & PPV Management

• Own and manage Purchase Price Variance (PPV) across all manufacturing sites.
• Monitor weekly PPV trends, identify risks, and drive corrective actions.
• Partner with site buyers to resolve PO vs. standard cost discrepancies.
• Investigate and resolve PO vs. invoice variances.
• Drive root cause analysis on unfavorable PPV and implement sustainable fixes.
• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate standard cost alignment.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze invoice detail and general ledger activity.
• Prepare monthly and YTD cost performance summaries.
• Support budgeting and forecasting cycles.
• Develop and maintain reporting packages and presentations.

Supplier Cost Optimization

• Engage strategic suppliers to drive cost reduction initiatives.
• Identify and execute supplier-based savings opportunities.
• Support rebate tracking and validation.
• Reinforce supplier cost accountability and transparency.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Serve as liaison between Supply Chain, Finance, and Accounts Payable.
• Resolve invoicing inquiries from Corporate AP.
• Support sites during supply disruptions or shortages.
• Drive consistent cost management processes across all locations.
• Participate in monthly Operations reviews and leadership discussions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Business, Accounting, or related field.
• 5 years in strategic sourcing, purchasing, cost analysis, or manufacturing finance.
• Experience managing PPV, standard costing, rebates, or variance analysis.
• Experience interacting with strategic suppliers.
• Advance Excel skills (pivot tables, modeling, data analysis).
• Strong financial and analytical capability.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Finance.
• Ability to interpret invoice detail and reconcile discrepancies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail with strong p
  roblem-solving skills.
• Highly organized with ability to maintain consistent reporting discipline.
• Results-driven mindset with a strong focus on protecting and improving margin.

RREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Multi-site manufacturing experience.
• Experience with rebate programs.
• ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, Plex, IQMS, etc.)
• Plastic injection molding experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office and manufacturing environment.
• Occasional travel to manufacturing sites and suppliers may be required.