Global Buyer supplies

SolomonEdwards; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SolomonEdwards in Reading, PA is seeking a Global Buyer I for MRO procurement across multiple sites. You will lead sourcing, negotiate contracts, and collaborate with Maintenance, Operations, Reliability, and EHS teams to ensure cost-effective material supply and up-time.

Responsibilities include developing category strategies, managing supplier performance, and optimizing total cost of ownership while mitigating risk. Travel may be required for supplier reviews and site support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 3 years in sourcing and procurement focused on MRO.
• Professional procurement certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing and category management for MRO supplies and services.
• Develop category strategies to optimize total cost of ownership and service levels.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships to improve cost and performance.
• Monitor supplier performance and mitigate supply disruptions across sites.

Skills

Sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cross-functional collaboration

Cost reduction

Category management

Demand management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

ERP systems (SAP/Oracle)

Job description

The Global Buyer I – MRO Supplies and Services is responsible for the strategic sourcing and procurement of Maintenance, Repair, and Operating (MRO) supplies and outside services across the enterprise. Reporting to the Global Procurement Manager – MRO, this role partners closely with Maintenance, Operations, Reliability, and EHS teams to ensure cost-effective, reliable supply of materials and services that support plant uptime and operational performance. The position drives value through cost optimization, supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement of MRO procurement processes in a multi-site industrial environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing and category management for MRO supplies and services including spare parts, consumables, tools, PPE, repair services, calibration, and maintenance contractors.
• Develop and execute MRO category strategies to optimize total cost of ownership, service levels, and supply continuity.
• Source suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships to deliver best-in-class service, cost, and performance.
• Standardize specifications, rationalize SKUs and suppliers, and implement preferred supplier programs across sites.
• Drive competitive sourcing events, contract negotiations, and commercial term optimization aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor supplier performance, conduct reviews and audits, and manage issue resolution.
• Track market trends, supplier risk, and availability of critical MRO categories to mitigate supply disruptions.
• Deliver cost savings, cost avoidance, and productivity improvements through sourcing strategies and demand management.
• Partner with Finance and Operations on budget planning, spend forecasting, and cost control initiatives.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Reliability, and Stores teams to optimize MRO inventory strategies, critical spares, and VMI/consignment programs.
• Support asset reliability, uptime, safety, and maintenance productivity initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, digital enablement, and Req-to-PO cycle efficiency.
• Support audits, supplier qualifications, and special projects as assigned.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, operations-focused, multi-site environment.
• Willingness to travel periodically for site support, supplier reviews, and negotiations.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders at all levels.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in sourcing and procurement with a strong focus on MRO supplies and services in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Professional procurement certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of MRO procurement, maintenance supply chains, and total cost of ownership concepts.
• Proven experience in contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Experience managing MRO inventory strategies, critical spares, and working capital optimization.
• Proficiency in ERP and procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).