Commodity Buyer

Jobtailor; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a procurement professional to manage the end-to-end lifecycle for assigned commodities in a manufacturing environment. You will lead value analyses with Engineering and Manufacturing to reduce total cost while maintaining quality and reliability.

You will negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers, build strong relationships, and support supplier engagement for new product introductions and engineering changes. Collaboration within a small procurement team is essential.

Qualifications

• Reading technical drawings and prints.
• Negotiating with suppliers to secure favorable terms.
• Performing value analysis and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Engaging with suppliers to manage performance and relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement lifecycle for assigned commodities.
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives with Engineering and Manufacturing.
• Review drawings and specifications with Engineering for cost improvements.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve savings.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and conduct regular reviews.

Skills

Reading drawings

Supplier negotiation

Cost reduction / value analysis

Supplier relationship management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

ASCM CPSM or other procurement accreditation

Job description

Responsibilities

• Manage the end‑to‑end procurement lifecycle for assigned commodities, including supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and ongoing supplier management
• Lead value analysis and cost‑reduction initiatives in partnership with Engineering and Manufacturing, identifying opportunities to reduce total cost while maintaining quality, performance, and reliability
• Collaborate with Engineering to review technical drawings, specifications, and designs, supporting design‑to‑cost, manufacturability improvements, and alternative sourcing recommendations
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings, including improvements in purchase price variance (PPV)
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, including regular communication, performance reviews, and supplier site visits
• Support sourcing and supplier engagement for new product introductions, engineering changes, and production transitions
• Work collaboratively within a small procurement team, providing backup support and contributing to shared objectives as needed

Requirements

• 3–4 years of purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment
• Experience sourcing machined components, sheet metal, and plastics, with a strong emphasis on machined plastic components
• Ability to read, understand, and discuss technical drawings and prints
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and supporting cost‑saving initiatives
• Preferred ASCM, CPSM or other Procurement accreditation
• Experience participating in value analysis, cost‑reduction, or design‑to‑cost activities
• Exposure to low‑volume, high‑mix manufacturing environments