Senior Buyer

Whirlpool Corporation; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Whirlpool employee discount

Fitness reimbursement

Kitchenettes

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor, Michigan is seeking a Senior Buyer in Global Strategic Sourcing to manage IT software, hardware, and services across North America and globally. You will lead category strategies, RFQ/RFPs, and contracting with suppliers to optimize total cost and performance.

This role engages cross-functional partners, drives standardization, and improves purchasing processes while delivering initiatives that reduce complexity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; 4+ years in Procurement, Sourcing, IT Sourcing, or IT.
• Experience leading category strategies, RFQ/RFP processes, and contracting.
• Ability to engage cross-functional partners and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and suppliers through category strategies and insights.
• Provide leadership for procurement projects and initiatives.
• Negotiate for cost savings, quality, and delivery KPI.
• Drive change, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes and develop category strategies.
• Manage contract negotiations and supplier relationships.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Verbal and written communication

Project management

Multi priority execution

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only 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 Senior Buyer (Senior Analyst, Procurement) 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

Key Deliverables

• 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

Minimum Requirements

• 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).

Benefits

• 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.

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.