Senior Buyer

Charles Street Talent Advisors; Matthews (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy in North Carolina is seeking a Senior Buyer to manage strategic sourcing, vendor performance, and cost-optimization in the supply chain. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of procurement experience and proven expertise in negotiation and data analysis. Responsibilities include identifying quality suppliers, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with various teams to enhance efficiency. This role is crucial for maintaining high standards while managing costs effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain.
• Proven track record in a senior or lead role.
• Professional certifications such as CPIM, CSCP, or CPSM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard high-quality suppliers.
• Lead negotiations on pricing and SLAs.
• Monitor stock levels to prevent shortages.
• Establish KPIs for suppliers and conduct performance reviews.
• Stay ahead of industry trends that impact supply chain.
• Collaborate with Finance, Production, and Logistics teams.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Inventory management

Vendor performance monitoring

Market analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis skills

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or relevant field

Tools

JD Edwards

Job description

The Senior Buyer is a critical link in the supply chain, responsible for strategic sourcing, vendor management, and cost-optimization. This role goes beyond transactional purchasing; it requires a data-driven professional who can forecast needs, negotiate complex contracts, and ensure that quality standards are met without compromising the bottom line.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing: Identify, evaluate, and onboard high-quality suppliers that align with company goals and sustainability standards.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead negotiations on pricing, payment terms, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to maximize value and minimize risk.
• Inventory Management: Monitor stock levels and lead times to prevent shortages or overstocking, ensuring a lean and efficient inventory.
• Vendor Performance: Establish and monitor KPIs for suppliers, conducting regular audits and performance reviews to ensure accountability.
• Market Analysis: Stay ahead of industry trends, commodity pricing, and global economic shifts that could impact the supply chain.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Finance, Production, and Logistics teams to streamline workflows and support product launches.

Senior Buyer Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a relevant field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain, with a proven track record in a senior or lead role.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in JD Edwards
• Advanced data analysis skills, specifically within Microsoft Excel (Macros, Pivot Tables, and complex formulas).
• Negotiation Mastery: Demonstrated ability to handle high-stakes contract negotiations and vendor dispute resolution.
• Certifications: Professional certification such as CPIM, CSCP, or CPSM is strongly preferred.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong capability to interpret market data, commodity trends, and financial reports to drive decision-making.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presenting sourcing strategies to executive leadership.