IT Procurement Buyer

Whirlpool Corporation; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Employee discount

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation is seeking an IT Procurement Buyer for North America and globally in some cases. Located in Benton Harbor, MI, the role focuses on IT software, hardware, and managed services.

You will lead sourcing initiatives, engage stakeholders, and drive cost savings across IT categories. The role requires leading RFQ/RFP processes, developing category strategies, and managing supplier negotiations to improve total cost and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 4+ years of experience in Procurement, Sourcing, IT Sourcing, or IT.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and suppliers on category strategies.
• Provide leadership for procurement projects and initiatives.
• Drive cost savings, quality, and delivery KPI through negotiations.
• Lead category activities including RFQ/RFP and contract management.
• Develop sourcing strategies to deliver objectives and improve cross-functional engagement.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal & written communication

Negotiation

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As theonly major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

This role in summary

Whirlpool is seeking qualified candidates to join our Global Strategic Sourcing, as a "IT Procurement Buyer" over Information Technology (IT) for North America (US and Canada) and in some instances globally within the Indirect Procurement organization. The role is located in Benton Harbor, Michigan. In this role, you will have accountability for assigned IT software subcategories, hardware, or managed services. This position will engage cross-functional stakeholders and utilize effective Supplier Relationship Management techniques and negotiations skills to enhance total cost, service level and operational performance.

In addition, the chosen individual will work closely with business partners to execute initiatives that will drive down complexity, including but not limited to ordering process improvements, supply base reductions, and scaled standardization of purchases across manufacturing sites.

The Senior Buyer is responsible and accountable to lead category strategies, sourcing initiatives (RFQ/RFP), supplier selection, and contracting aligned to Policy and Procedures. The role is highly cross functional and requires the ability to lead the right outcomes for Business Functions, Global Strategic Sourcing, and Whirlpool Corporation. This leader will support/lead National, Regional, and Global initiatives to deliver company imperatives.

Your responsibilities will include

• Collaborate and influence internal Business Stakeholders and Suppliers through category strategies and insights
• Provide leadership and management for procurement projects and initiatives
• Drive extraordinary results through negotiations for cost savings, quality, and delivery KPI
• Drive change, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Lead category activities by:
• Leading Request for Quote Process
• Developing and implementing category strategies to drive direction and results
• Negotiation and Contract Management
• Optimizing sourcing projects, key initiatives, and supplier negotiations
• Conduct market insights and deliver risk mitigation plans and actions
• Drive and deliver substantial supply base reduction through strengthening partnerships with key business stakeholders and suppliers.
• Respond to and resolve day-to-date operational supply base challenges

• Achieve +4%+ year-over-year cost reductions across IT categories
• Achieve 10%+ Supplier Base Rationalization to grow strategic partnerships and drive compliance
• Develop and execute detailed sourcing strategies across key categories that are required to deliver objectives
• Partner with key stakeholders in IT to improve cross-functional engagement and productivity

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 4+ years of experience in Procurement, Sourcing, IT Sourcing, or IT

Preferred skills and experiences

• Interpersonal, motivational, and influential skills to engage and build rapport with business partners
• Strong Verbal and written communication
• Negotiation skills and conflict resolution
• Interpret and manipulate data with strong analytical skills
• Project management in adherence to objectives and milestones
• Manage, prioritize, and execute multiple key activities

What we offer

Generous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).

Additional information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working

Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

• Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.

Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation

See what it's like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers. Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Whirlpool Corporation is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company

Improving life at home has been at the heart of our business for 112 years — it is why we exist and why we are passionate about what we do. That’s why consumers trust our brands. We never take that for granted. We work every day to earn that trust by continually evolving and innovating for our consumers, helping our environment and communities thrive, and nurturing our talent to bring their talent home to Whirlpool.