Commodity Buyer

Waupaca Foundry; Waupaca (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Short and long term disability

Life insurance

401(k)

Employer funded retirement plan

Paid vacations/holidays

Wellness program

Fitness membership

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Career development, including tuition"

Job summary

Waupaca Foundry, Inc. seeks a Commodity Buyer to lead strategic sourcing of metals and foundry materials, optimizing cost and supplier performance.

You will negotiate high-value contracts, manage supplier risk, and align procurement with production demands across cross-functional teams. The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of procurement experience, with strong negotiation, analytics, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 5+ years procurement/sourcing experience.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Strategic sourcing for metals, alloys, and foundry supplies to meet production needs.
• Develop and implement transparent sourcing processes and bid mechanisms.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships and performance.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and manage forecasts/budgets.
• Collaborate with inventory teams to align procurement with demand.
• Ensure materials meet technical specs and quality standards.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

Equivalent combination of experience and education

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Waupaca Foundry, Inc. is North America’s leading supplier of iron castings and has a history of innovation with a legacy of product quality. Waupaca Foundry employs approximately 4,400 people company-wide.

Waupaca Foundry is committed to relentless improvement, forward-thinking sustainability initiatives, and providing a reliable experience to the millions who use our castings every day. Our goal is to employ individuals who take pride in their work within a culture of continual innovation.

Waupaca Foundry is proud to be an employer of choice for those driven and skilled individuals seeking rewarding careers by producing top quality castings.

You will be right at home at Waupaca Foundry.

Cast Your Own Future.

More information is available on our website www.waupacafoundry.com

Commodity Buyer

Role

Responsible for leading the strategic sourcing and procurement of materials and services to meet company production needs while optimizing cost, quality, and supplier performance. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating high-value contracts, and identifying advanced technologies, alternatives, and cost-savings opportunities and will prepare data for both internal and external reviews.

The Commodity Buyer will assess market trends, mitigate supply chain risk, and ensure procurement activities comply with regulatory and sustainability standards. This role interfaces cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing: Develop and implement long-term procurement strategies for key materials such as metals, alloys, and other foundry-related supplies and services to support production and organizational requirements.
• Develop and implement a clear, concise, and transparent sourcing process, alternative bid mechanisms, negotiating and prepare Board of Directors recommendations.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Establishing and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, developing long term strategies, and ensuring that suppliers meet quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Cost Management And Reduction: Identify cost-saving opportunities through better supplier terms, bulk purchasing, alternative materials, and improved procurement processes. Develop and execute forecasts and budgets that support corporate objectives.
• Inventory Management Collaboration: Work closely with inventory control teams and plant controllers to align procurement activities with inventory needs, avoiding overstock or shortages. Develop min/max strategies and lead-time efficiencies. Review past dues to ensure on-time delivery. Generate purchase orders to replenish stock.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that all purchasing materials meet the required technical specifications and quality standards. Coordinating with quality, program management and engineering teams to resolve any material related issues or concerns. Develop, communicate, provide feedback and rehabilitate or replace underperforming vendors, as necessary and appropriate.
• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate risk in the supply chain, including market volatility, supplier reliability, geopolitical influence, environmental impacts, and potential disruptions. Develop contingency plans and develop and maintain alternative supplier options.
• Market Analysis: Conduct ongoing analysis of market trends, material price fluctuations, technology advancements and supply chain developments to adjust procurement strategies as needed.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all of the "essential functions" for purposes of the ADA.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management or related field or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• 5+ years of procurement/sourcing experience, including direct commodity or category management
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills
• Experience analyzing market/commodity price trends and total cost of ownership
• Experience with index-based or hedged commodity pricing structures

Additional Information

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel and Outlook
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent analytical skills for problem solving
• Detail oriented
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Ability and willingness to take on projects; participate in department cross training

If selected for consideration, candidates must successfully complete a selection process that includes interviews, reference check/verification, and a pre-employment drug screen.

Benefits

Waupaca Foundry offers competitive wages and exceptional benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, vision
• Short and long term disability
• Life insurance
• 401(k)
• Employer funded retirement plan
• Paid vacations/holidays
• Wellness program
• Fitness membership
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Employer supported career development, including tuition reimbursement

Waupaca Foundry is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.