The Senior Buyer is responsible for managing the supply chain for run rate production, with an emphasis on category management, material planning, purchasing, and supplier relationship management. This role ensures continuous improvement in the quality, timeliness, and total cost of purchased components and services.

The Senior Buyer is responsible for ensuring materials are ordered to maintain the production schedule and meet job requirements, considering as inputs the sales forecast and orders, production capacity, service requirements, safety stock, market conditions affecting material availability, customer special purchase agreements, and other relevant factors.

The role focuses on increasing gross profit (GP) for the company, including, but not limited to, cost savings, proactive supplier agreements, and continuous improvement in processes. Working closely with Operations, Sales, NPI, Engineering, Quality, and Finance, the Senior Buyer identifies potential supplier risks, develops mitigation plans, and resolves supply chain issues.

In addition, the Senior Buyer supports New Product Introduction (NPI) programs by providing sourcing expertise, supplier quoting, and onboarding support, and by helping transition new programs into run rate production.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary to meet the needs of the organization from time to time, as needed.

1. Proactively manage materials using MRP/ERP tools, including forecast analysis and maintenance of planning parameters such as lead times, lot sizes, economic order quantities, and safety stock levels.
2. Review component requirements daily, and create and maintain purchase orders to support the production schedule at the lowest total cost while meeting quality and delivery expectations.
3. Accurately maintain component and delivery information in the ERP system, and advise all affected parties of changes in component price, availability, or quality.
4. Develop and implement procurement strategies for assigned commodities, including supplier solicitation, selection, award, maintenance, and end-of-life (EOL) transitions.
5. Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, timely delivery, and optimal performance, including value-add programs and resolution of supply chain issues.
6. Negotiate purchase agreements with suppliers, utilizing GMI’s Statement of Work (SOW) procedure where applicable.
7. Partner with Supplier Quality on supplier audits, onsite assessments, and the qualification of new suppliers.
8. Identify and mitigate supplier risks related to capability, capacity, and potential disruptions to production.
9. Increase gross profit (GP) through cost savings, proactive supplier agreements, and reduction of unfavorable purchase price variances and the overall supplier base.
10. Lead and assist with lead time reduction and inventory initiatives, including JIT, Kanban, and computerized vendor replenishment systems.
11. Coordinate material returns, including the review and disposition of non-conforming materials to suppliers.
12. Lead continuous improvement activities for the sourcing function using data analytics, contribute to Sourcing KPIs, and participate in teams focused on cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and international sourcing.
13. Represent Purchasing/Sourcing within the Company Culture team, building cohesive relationships with Operations, Sales, NPI, Engineering, Quality, and Finance.
14. Support the NPI team with supplier identification, quoting, and onboarding for new programs, including prototype/pilot part delivery and make vs. buy decisions.
15. Support the transition of new programs from NPI into run rate production.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, commodity management, or equivalent in a manufacturing environment.

Exposure to new product introduction (NPI) or new product development a plus.

Training through APICS/ASCM, a purchasing management association, or another professional materials organization desired. CPIM, CSCP, or CPSM certification a plus.

Experience in the medical industry preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Word. Previous experience using, and a thorough understanding of, MRP/ERP systems is required.

Demonstrated leadership and project management skills, with the ability to lead functional and cross-functional teams in completing projects.

Well organized; able to effectively manage and prioritize multiple tasks with a positive, proactive attitude.

Highly adaptable to a dynamic environment and changing requirements, with strong continuous improvement skills.

Strong analysis and problem-solving skills.

Ability to develop positive and effective relationships with suppliers, intra-departmentally, and in other areas of the company.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact professionally and courteously with other Associates, suppliers, and customers.

Willingness to assist other projects and departments as needed, and openness to learning and developing new competencies.

Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as required, including for supplier visits and onsite assessments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The phrases “occasionally,” “regularly,” and “frequently” correspond to the following definitions: “Occasionally” means up to 1/3 of working time, “regularly” means between 1/3 and 2/3 of working time, and “frequently” means 2/3 and more working time.

While performing the duties and responsibilities of this position, the Associate must possess mobility to work in a standard office and lab setting, the ability to navigate the manufacturing floor and warehouses safely in a normal manufacturing work environment, and the ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites within and away from the office, as needed. The Associate will frequently talk and listen and must be able to hear and speak to communicate in person and over the telephone. The Associate will occasionally sit, stand, use hands to finger to effectively use a keyboard, handle or touch, and move from place to place. Specific vision requirements for this position include the ability to read printed materials and a computer screen. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required. This position is based, in Mequon, WI.