Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Salary
Not specified
Type
fulltime
Posted
Today
via linkedin
Job Description
Primary Function
The
Strategic Sourcing Buyer
is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for components and/or raw materials to ensure a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective supply. This role identifies value creation opportunities, builds strong supplier partnerships, negotiates commercial terms, and drives continuous improvement across the procurement function.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives
- Analyze spend, market trends, and performance data to identify improvement opportunities and deliver incremental value
- Partner cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to propose and implement value creation initiatives
- Incorporate voice-of-the-customer insights into category strategies and contract negotiations
- Ensure timely resolution of material supply issues, including root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage supplier relationships
- Lead contract negotiations, including pricing, terms, and service-level agreements
- Conduct ongoing market and cost-driver analysis to inform sourcing strategies
- Assess supply chain risk and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions
- Manage end-to-end procurement activities for assigned materials and categories
- Monitor supplier performance, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and systems
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or Engineering
- Minimum of 5\+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, including category strategy development
- Proven experience supporting initiatives that improve operational execution, customer service, and total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Strong understanding of strategic sourcing and procurement best practices
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute negotiation strategies for complex agreements
- Ability to influence and drive change across cross-functional teams
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify process gaps and improve systems
- Proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle preferred), procurement platforms, and analytical tools (Excel, Power BI)
- Experience leveraging spend and performance data to drive informed decision-making
- Demonstrated progression from tactical purchasing to strategic procurement leadership
- Strong leadership presence with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset
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