Sr. Buyer

Job Summary

This posting is used to identify talent for Buyer and Senior Buyer roles within Supply Chain Management. Depending on experience and business need, candidates may be considered for either level. These roles are responsible for the procurement of materials, equipment, and services to support operations, maintenance, and capital projects across the enterprise. Responsibilities span tactical execution through strategic leadership, cost management, supplier relationships, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead company procurement processes to ensure quality, cost effectiveness, and on-time delivery from supplier business partners.
• Develop, support, and execute cost-competitive procurement strategies in alignment with business unit and enterprise goals.
• Represent the Company in supplier relationships, including negotiations, commercial terms and conditions, and contract administration.
• Evaluate total cost of ownership, not just acquisition cost, and apply sound risk management and value analysis principles.
• Maximize assets and inventory investments to balance business unit needs with total cost management.
• Provide day-to-day procurement operations including preparing recommendations, securing approvals, issuing purchase agreements, and maintaining knowledge of contracts.
• Collaborate with Strategic Category Managers and cross-functional teams to support sourcing strategies and contract implementation.
• Mentor and provide direction to procurement staff, including Buyers and Associate Buyers, as appropriate to role level.
• Study market trends, conduct benchmarking and competitive assessments, and identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Work with Legal, Risk Management, Accounts Payable, suppliers, and business units to resolve contract, invoice, and dispute issues.
• Support Supply Chain Management goals, measurements, policies, procedures, and SPM processes.
• Respond to urgent and emergency procurement needs and perform expediting activities as required.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Buyer: 3+ years of experience in supply chain management or related discipline.
• Senior Buyer: 5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain management or procurement.

Other Qualifications

Preferred

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Economics, or related field.
• Prior procurement or sourcing experience.
• Yellow, Green, or Black Belt certification.
• Industrial or utility industry vendor management experience
• Knowledge and experience negotiating services and construction agreements
• Knowledge of and experience with negotiating commercial terms and conditions in coordination with internal or external counsel.
• Industrial Project Management and Construction Management Experience

Other Requirements

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to manage multimillion-dollar contracts with minimal rework while meeting deadlines and prioritizing effectively.
• Strong negotiation and contract writing skills, with complexity aligned to role level.
• Demonstrated understanding of risk management, value analysis, and sound decision-making.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of organizational and market dynamics.
• Demonstrated application of continuous improvement tools, systems, and processes.

Note: Level determines compensation and incentive package.

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.