Senior Buyer / Head of Purchasing / Sourcing Strategist
Zeeland, MI Purchasing
Job Type
Full-time
Description

About Innotec

Innotec, headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan, is a global, highly automated manufacturing company serving automotive, recreation, lawn & turf, and industrial markets. We deliver innovative, high-quality solutions—including advanced LED lighting—while maintaining a strong commitment to performance and sustainability. Our culture is built on ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to make an impact and grow their careers.


Summary of Company and Role / Purpose of the Role

The Senior Buyer / Head of Purchasing / Sourcing Strategist is responsible for leading sourcing strategy, supplier management, and purchasing operations across a diverse manufacturing environment, including LED lighting, plastic injection molding, and metal fabrication.

This is a strategic and operational leadership role that ensures material availability, cost competitiveness, and supplier performance while building a resilient and high-performing supply base. The role directly impacts production continuity, profitability, and customer satisfaction by aligning sourcing decisions with overall business objectives.



Job Responsibilities 

  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies across key commodities (resins, electronics, metals, components)
  • Identify, qualify, and develop high-performing suppliers (domestic and global)
  • Lead supplier negotiations, contracts, and long-term agreements
  • Drive cost reduction initiatives through negotiation, VA/VE, and process improvements
  • Monitor market trends and adjust sourcing strategies accordingly
  • Oversee purchasing execution, including PO placement, tracking, and supplier communication
  • Ensure alignment between production schedules and material supply
  • Resolve supply disruptions quickly to maintain production continuity
  • Establish and track supplier KPIs (quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness)
  • Lead supplier reviews, performance management, and corrective actions
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Finance
  • Support new product launches with sourcing strategy and supplier readiness
  • Lead and develop purchasing team members (if applicable) and establish standard work
  • Drive supply risk mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing
  • Participate in S&OP and planning discussions to align supply with demand


Opportunity for Growth

This role offers the opportunity to:

  • Influence company-wide strategy 
  • Build and shape the supplier network 
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives 
  • Grow into broader operational or executive leadership roles
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field required
  • 5–10+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment
  • Experience supporting industries such as automotive, electronics, plastics, or metal fabrication preferred
  • Proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost reduction initiatives
  • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and purchasing processes
  • Knowledge of supply chain best practices, sourcing strategies, and market analysis
  • Experience with new product launch support and supplier development
  • APICS / CPSM or similar certification 
  • Experience working with global suppliers 
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship 

 

Skills & Competencies

  • Strategic thinking with strong execution and follow-through
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
  • Data-driven decision-making and analytical capability
  • Ability to balance cost, quality, and delivery priorities
  • Effective cross-functional collaboration and communication
  • Leadership skills with ability to develop teams and influence without authority
  • Problem-solving mindset with focus on risk mitigation and continuity
  • High level of ownership, accountability, and integrity
  • Continuous improvement mindset with focus on long-term impact