Buyer

MAT Friction; Long Grove (IL); On-site; USD 61,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MAT Holdings, Inc. in Long Grove, IL, is seeking a Global Sourcing Specialist to manage procurement, negotiate with vendors, and optimize inventory and costs across product categories.

The role collaborates with demand planning, sales, logistics and supply chain teams, uses SAP and MRP, and requires a Bachelor’s degree with at least three years of global sourcing experience; bilingual English/Mandarin is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum three years of global sourcing experience.
• Bi-lingual English/Mandarin a plus.
• Working knowledge of MRP systems (SAP a plus).
• Experience with Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Essential knowledge of international logistics and US Customs Trade Compliance a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage and work collaboratively with vendors throughout the sourcing and purchasing process.
• Handle purchase order placement to suppliers for domestic orders, direct import as well as containerization.
• Monitor and control inventory level to reflect product seasonality.
• Provide cost analysis and landed costs to sales and marketing teams.
• Procure merchandise in a timely fashion per demand and forecast.
• Coordinate with suppliers to determine material availability and shipment status.
• Work with vendors to resolve procurement issues including price, quality, service, and delivery during international business hours.
• Collaborate with demand planner, sales, marketing, customer service, accounting, IT, logistics, warehouse, Import Department and customs brokers for inventory fulfillment.
• Qualify and recommend potential vendors based on sourcing procedures, research, and analysis.
• Lead cost-out initiatives for assigned product lines.
• Act as liaison between internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Manage both internal and external factory audits with the Asian Sourcing Coordinator.
• Represent Sourcing on distribution and logistics initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the Sales and Marketing teams to support new product and program launches.
• Crosstrain on essential Purchasing functions utilizing SAP and the MRP system.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements and ensure compliance with corporate standards.
• Work collaboratively with the Sales and Purchasing teams to support new product and program launches with key customers.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Negotiation

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

Join our vertically integrated team at MAT Holdings, Inc., a leading global manufacturer with a 40-year history. We're proud to provide employment opportunities for more than 14,000 employees across 12 countries. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space.

Company Description

Join our vertically integrated team at MAT Holdings, Inc., a leading global manufacturer with a 40-year history. We're proud to provide employment opportunities for more than 14,000 employees across 12 countries. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space.

You will find our products in home improvement centers, big box retailers, hardware stores and automotive chains. They're in the cars you drive, the trailers you tow, and the heavy-duty machinery you operate.

MAT can maintain consistent expertise and solutions across the entire supply chain.

We’re experts in engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics and distribution, marketing, design, and customer service — we don't just make it happen, we ensure it happens with excellence.

We’re more than manufacturing, we’re MAT.

Benefits

• MAT Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
• 401k Retirement Plan + Company Match
• Career Advancement Program, training and development
• Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Voluntary Life / AD&D , Employer Provided Life/AD&D
• and More

Job Description

Responsible for procuring goods, managing material costs, and balancing inventory levels for assigned product categories across warehouses. Work closely with vendors to negotiate pricing and ensure timely delivery of goods. Provide procurement-related reports with analyses to the department manager. Special assignments may be assigned as needed.

Principle Responsibilities

• Manage and work collaboratively with vendors throughout the sourcing and purchasing process
• Handle purchase order placement to suppliers for domestic orders, direct import as well as containerization
• Monitor and control inventory level to reflect product seasonality
• Provide cost analysis and landed costs to sales and marketing teams
• Procure merchandise in a timely fashion per demand and forecast
• Coordinate with suppliers to determine material availability and shipment status
• Work with vendors to resolve procurement issues including but not limited to price, quality, service, and delivery during international business hours
• Collaborate with demand planner, sales, marketing, customer service, accounting, IT, logistics, warehouse, Import Department and custom brokers for inventory fulfillment
• Qualify and recommend potential vendors based on sourcing procedures, research, and analysis
• Lead cost-out initiatives for assigned product lines
• Act as liaison between internal stakeholders and external vendors
• Manage both internal and external factory audits with the Asian Sourcing Coordinator
• Represent Sourcing on distribution and logistics initiatives
• Work collaboratively with the Sales and Marketing teams to support new product and program launches
• Crosstrain on essential Purchasing functions utilizing SAP and the MRP system
• Negotiate contracts and agreements and ensure compliance with corporate standards
• Work collaboratively with the Sales and Purchasing teams to support new product and program launches with key customers.

Import Compliance

• Determine tariff classification and PGA (FDA, Aphis, EPA, etc.) applicability.
• Review Accuracy of Customs Entry Filing.
• Conduct customs entry audits for accuracy.
• Work with Import Compliance Manager to address audit results and corrections.
• Ensure Integrity of Import Data. Maintain tariff classification and duty rates in SAP/SKU repository.
• Works directly with vendors to obtain missing documentation or information required for customs clearance. Respond to inquiries from customs brokers impacting imports.

Competencies

• Proven ability to implement and execute initiatives supporting the corporate strategy.
• Capable of handling complex project management.
• Proven ability to negotiate, making sound decisions in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate cross-functional leadership (internal or external).
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present data organizationally.
• Delivers commitments and strong follow‑up skills.
• Highly organized, results‑driven, and an ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must be available to respond to international vendors as needed during normal hours and after‑hours

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum three years of global sourcing experience
• Bi‑lingual (English/Mandarin) a plus
• Working knowledge of MRP systems (SAP a plus)
• Experience with Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Essential knowledge of international logistics and US Customs Trade Compliance a plus.

Additional Information

The posted salary range for this position is $60,850 to $85,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications.