Buyer

LHH; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH is seeking a Commodity Buyer to own Rubber & Plastics sourcing strategy in Bowling Green, KY. You will lead supplier selection, negotiate terms, and drive cost reductions across assigned categories.

The role requires building cross-functional partnerships with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain to support new product launches and supplier alignment. Strong analytics and ERP proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of strategic procurement or sourcing experience.
• Experience sourcing Rubber & Plastics commodities preferred.
• Proven success in complex negotiations and supplier relationship management.
• Strong analytical capabilities including cost modeling and market intelligence.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office; sourcing tools a plus.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building and project management skills.
• APICS, ISM, CPSM, or other supply chain certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a holistic strategy for Rubber & Plastics categories.
• Determine preferred supplier partners and manage the full supplier lifecycle.
• Lead all commercial negotiations, including pricing, LTAs, service levels, and contractual terms.
• Mitigate tariff exposure, identify near-shore and global alternatives, and proactively manage supply risk.
• Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and industry indices to guide sourcing decisions.
• Own cost modeling, supplier quoting, benchmarking, and annual cost-reduction initiatives.
• Evaluate, approve, and onboard new suppliers in alignment with current sourcing strategy.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery, and cost.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain on cross-functional projects.
• Support new product launches by ensuring timely sourcing and optimal supplier alignment.
• Develop and maintain sourcing documentation, category dashboards, and strategic analyses.
• Ensure compliance with corporate procurement policies and procurement best practices.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Supplier management

Cost modeling

Negotiation

Market intelligence

ERP systems

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

ERP systems

Sourcing tools

Job description

The Commodity Buyer is a professional negotiator, market analyst, and supplier relationship manager responsible for developing and executing a macro-level sourcing strategy for assigned commodities. The Buyer owns the strategic direction of Rubber & Plastics procurement and collaborates cross-functionally to support new product development, cost savings initiatives, and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a holistic commodity strategy for Rubber & Plastics categories.
• Determine preferred supplier partners and manage the full supplier lifecycle.
• Lead all commercial negotiations, including pricing, LTAs, service levels, and contractual terms.
• Mitigate tariff exposure, identify near-shore and global alternatives, and proactively manage supply risk.
• Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and industry indices to guide sourcing decisions.
• Own cost modeling, supplier quoting, benchmarking, and annual cost-reduction initiatives.
• Evaluate, approve, and onboard new suppliers in alignment with current sourcing strategy.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery, and cost.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain on cross-functional projects.
• Support new product launches by ensuring timely sourcing and optimal supplier alignment.
• Develop and maintain sourcing documentation, category dashboards, and strategic analyses.
• Ensure compliance with corporate procurement policies and procurement best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 3-5+ years of strategic procurement, commodity management, or sourcing experience.
• Experience sourcing Rubber & Plastic commodities strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in complex negotiations and supplier relationship management.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including cost modeling, financial analysis, and market intelligence.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications; experience with sourcing tools is a plus.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• APICS, ISM, CPSM, or other supply chain certifications are a plus.