Buyer 2

Knorr Bremse Group; Avon (OH); On-site; USD 75,900 - 113,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

120 hours of vacation leave

6 weeks of paid parental leave

Job summary

Knorr Bremse Group in Avon, OH, is seeking a Buyer 2 to manage the supply base and undertake responsibilities in strategic procurement, including supplier negotiations and cost reduction initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of experience in purchasing, preferably within a manufacturing environment. A competitive salary range of $75,900–$113,900 is offered, along with comprehensive benefits, including healthcare and a 401k plan.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of strategic purchasing experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience in global purchasing organizations is preferred.
• Proven ability in cost reduction through negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Manage supply base to meet procurement objectives.
• Develop and implement commodity strategies.
• Drive supplier performance improvements.

Skills

Influencing cross-functional teams

Strong problem-solving skills

Negotiation skills

Project management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering

Tools

ERP systems such as SAP

Job description

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Position Title: Buyer 2 (Aluminum)

Reports To: Regional Category Manager

Date Last Revised: June 9, 2026

Position Summary

Manage the supply base to meet the strategic objectives of Global Procurement and the needs of internal and external customers, product groups, and manufacturing in terms of quality, cost, delivery, and commercial terms. Independently manage assigned commodities and suppliers, execute sourcing strategies, lead negotiations, drive cost reduction and supplier performance improvement initiatives, and support more complex cross‑functional procurement activities.

Essential Functions

• Develop, implement, and manage commodity strategies for assigned categories; evaluate and select suppliers, assess global sourcing opportunities, negotiate supply agreements, and support supply base rationalization.
• Lead cost reduction and productivity initiatives aligned with commodity strategy, including negotiations, value analysis/value engineering opportunities, and supplier transition activities.
• Drive supplier performance improvements in quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness, and develop corrective actions in partnership with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Develop and implement actions to achieve supply chain objectives for assigned commodities, including delivery performance, productivity, risk mitigation, and continuity of supply.
• Support and at times lead supplier quality and development initiatives related to managed commodities, including issue escalation, recovery actions, and improvement plans.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships while aligning with Bendix and KB supply chain strategies and leveraging regional and global synergies.
• Partner cross‑functionally with engineering, quality, operations, planning, and finance to support sourcing decisions, new launches, engineering changes, and supplier performance issues.
• Provide guidance and day‑to‑day support on purchasing processes, supplier issues, and project execution within assigned areas of responsibility.

Knowledge

• Strong working knowledge of supply base methodologies, procurement principles, practices, and procedures.
• Understands production control, material planning, inventory concepts, and MRP/ERP processes and their impact on supply continuity.
• Knowledge of commercial terms, sourcing processes, acquisition requirements, and supplier contract fundamentals.
• Working knowledge of domestic and international purchasing requirements and the ability to apply them in day‑to‑day procurement decisions.
• Understands business, manufacturing, engineering, and customer needs and can translate those requirements into sourcing and supplier actions.
• Possesses solid category knowledge for assigned commodities and understands key market, supplier, and cost drivers.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of strategic and tactical experience as a Buyer or purchasing representative, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in a global purchasing organization preferred, including use of ERP systems such as SAP.
• Demonstrated experience achieving cost reduction through negotiations, supplier development, design changes, and cross‑functional project support.
• Experience managing supplier performance issues, supporting sourcing projects, and coordinating actions across multiple internal stakeholders.

Skills

• Ability to work effectively in a global matrix organization while driving results across assigned commodities and suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross‑functional teams and suppliers to achieve business, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, including identifying issues, analyzing root causes, and driving practical solutions.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to changing business conditions, and maintain attention to detail.
• Results‑driven with a track record of supporting supplier improvement and implementing cost reduction initiatives.
• Self‑starter with sound judgment, a proactive mindset, and the ability to work independently within defined goals and priorities.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including planning, prioritization, risk identification, milestone tracking, and coordination of resources in a matrix environment.
• Highly organized with strong follow‑through and the ability to manage complex supplier and project issues.
• Effective communication skills, interpersonal effectiveness, and intercultural awareness with the ability to work across Knorr‑Bremse regions and functions.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment with the ability to adjust priorities as business needs evolve.
• Proven negotiation skills with the ability to prepare, lead, and support commercial discussions with suppliers.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; Business, Supply Chain Management or Engineering degree preferred.

Position Requirements

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Avon, OH is $75,900–$113,900 per year. The final pay offered to a successful candidate will depend on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, the type, years and experience within the industry and education. Bendix is a multi‑state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect positions that work in other states or locations.

Provided they meet all eligibility requirements under the applicable plan documents, employees (and their eligible dependents) will be eligible to enroll in group healthcare plans that offer medical, dental, vision, and basic life and disability insurance. Employees will also be able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive 120 hours of vacation leave and 40 hours of Personal Paid Absence every year. Employees will also enjoy 12 paid holidays, and 1 floating holiday throughout the calendar year, subject to relevant terms outlined in the employee handbook. 6 weeks of paid parental leave will also be available for use. Requirements for these benefits will be controlled by applicable plan documents and policies. Employees working on federal contracts covered by the Federal Paid Sick Leave requirements will be notified and will receive benefits consistent and compliant with the FPSL requirements. Hired applicant will be able to purchase company stock, subject to the relevant plan documents and annual bonuses based on achievement of certain metrics of up to 4% of annual salary.

Location

Nearest Major Market: Cleveland

Nearest Secondary Market: Akron