Job Title: Buyer/Purchaser III
Location: Mossville, IL
Job Type: 12 month, On Going Contract, W2
Expected hours per week: 40 hours per week
Schedule: On-site, 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday
Pay Range: $35.96 per hour
Job Description:
Position Summary
The Category Buyer is responsible for developing, managing, and executing category sourcing strategies to support organizational objectives related to cost, quality, supply continuity, and supplier performance. This role serves as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and suppliers, ensuring effective communication, risk mitigation, contract compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Category Buyer plays a key role in identifying cost-saving opportunities, analyzing spend data, managing supplier relationships, and supporting procurement operations.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Supplier Management
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Develop and execute category strategies that align with business goals and supply chain requirements.
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Manage supplier relationships and act as the primary point of contact between suppliers and internal stakeholders.
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Evaluate supplier capabilities, performance, risks, and business proposals.
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Lead supplier performance reviews and monitor delivery, quality, responsiveness, and overall effectiveness.
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Collaborate with suppliers to identify improvement opportunities and ensure continuity of supply.
Cost Management & Sourcing
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Forecast commodity and material costs using available market data and procurement tools.
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Identify and drive cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing activities.
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Update and maintain purchase order pricing and support implementation activities.
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Analyze spend data to identify cost savings, supply chain resiliency, and process improvement opportunities.
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Support cross-functional cost reduction projects with engineering, procurement teams, and business stakeholders.
Procurement & Contract Administration
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Approve purchase orders and review requisitions for goods and services.
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Solicit and evaluate supplier bids and proposals.
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Negotiate contracts, pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers and vendors.
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Support procurement staff on negotiation techniques, contract administration, and supplier management best practices.
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Monitor contract performance and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
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Recommend contract modifications when required to support business objectives.
Risk Management & Compliance
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Assess supplier and sourcing risks and implement mitigation strategies.
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Ensure purchasing activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
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Support supply chain continuity and resiliency initiatives.
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
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Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, or supply chain operations.
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Experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing vendor relationships.
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Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate financial reports, pricing proposals, and spend data.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and other business applications.
Required Skills
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Strong verbal and written communication skills.
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Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to analyze supplier performance and market trends.
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Knowledge of purchasing regulations, contract management, and supply chain processes.
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Experience with cost forecasting and cost reduction initiatives.
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Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Basic mentoring and coaching skills.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience supporting manufacturing, engineering, or supply chain operations.
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Knowledge of supplier risk management and procurement best practices.
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Experience working with ERP or procurement systems.
Key Competencies
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Strategic Thinking
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Supplier Relationship Management
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Cost Analysis & Cost Reduction
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Contract Negotiation
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Risk Assessment
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Stakeholder Collaboration
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Data Analysis & Reporting
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Continuous Improvement
Benefits: 40 hours paid time off, medical insurance contributions, dental vision and our 401k retirement savings plan
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