International Buyer (Import)

Wurth Industry North America; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Maternity/Paternity leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Würth Industry North America in Louisville, KY is seeking a Buyer - Import to lead international sourcing, manage global suppliers, and optimize total cost of ownership while ensuring compliance with trade regulations.

You will negotiate terms, issue purchase orders, coordinate logistics, analyze data, and collaborate with Sales, Planning, and Operations to align procurement with business goals. This role offers autonomy in a fast-paced, global supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, or a related field required; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in procurement with emphasis on international sourcing, trade compliance, or import operations.
• Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes including MRP, inventory management, Incoterms, customs documentation, and landed cost analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead purchasing decisions for imported materials based on demand forecasts, lead times, and cost targets.
• Issue and manage purchase orders; negotiate terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with global suppliers.
• Monitor trade regulations, tariffs and customs requirements; ensure compliance and update sourcing strategies.
• Coordinate with logistics and warehousing teams to track international shipments.
• Resolve issues related to order discrepancies and documentation; escalate when necessary.
• Evaluate supplier performance and implement corrective actions or alternate sourcing.
• Analyze purchasing data and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with Sales, Planning and Operations to align procurement with business goals.
• Recommend and implement process improvements in purchasing and supply chain workflows.

Skills

International sourcing

Trade compliance

Supplier negotiation

Inventory management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder collaboration

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Excel

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Buyer - Import is responsible for the strategic procurement and management of internationally sourced products within assigned commodities. This role ensures the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods through global suppliers while maintaining compliance with international trade regulations and internal purchasing policies. The Buyer - Import operates with a high level of autonomy and discretion in supplier selection, negotiation, inventory planning, and logistics coordination. This position plays a key role in driving procurement strategies, optimizing total cost of ownership, and supporting business continuity across the global supply chain.

Position starts at $65K

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead purchasing and sourcing decisions for imported materials based on demand forecasts, lead times, and cost targets.
• Issue and manage purchase orders; negotiate terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with global suppliers.
• Monitor trade regulations, tariffs, and customs requirements; ensure full compliance and update sourcing strategies as needed.
• Coordinate with logistics and warehousing teams to schedule, track, and adjust international shipments.
• Resolve complex issues related to order discrepancies, delays, and documentation; elevate when necessary.
• Evaluate supplier performance and implement corrective actions or alternate sourcing when required.
• Analyze purchasing data and market trends to inform decisions and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams including Sales, Planning, and Operations to align procurement with business goals.
• Recommend and implement process improvements in purchasing and supply chain workflows.
• Support team continuity and assist in knowledge transfer across the buying group.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, or a related field required; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in procurement, with a strong emphasis on international sourcing, trade compliance, or import operations.
• Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including MRP, inventory management, Incoterms, customs documentation, and landed cost analysis.
• Prior experience in industries such as fasteners, MRO, or distribution preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships, lead negotiations, and make autonomous sourcing decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple departments and time zones.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Difference

• Proactive supply chain solutions customized to your business, your industry
• Industrial products and services delivered with prompt, personal attention
• Inventory management solutions that keep your production line moving smoothly
• Complete program support from initial design, to implementation, training, to ongoing analysis

Why Würth

• Maternity/Paternal leave after 1 year of service
• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after 1 year of service
• Health benefits and programs - medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more
• Additional benefits 401(k), short term disability, long term disability
• Paid Time Off, accrued per pay period, additional day earned per year of service
• 10 paid holidays

EEOC STATEMENT:

The Wurth Industry North America group of companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status, and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. Wurth will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws.