Senior Buyer: Category Strategy & Supplier Leadership

KENT WORLDWIDE; Muscatine (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

KENT WORLDWIDE is seeking a Senior Buyer in Muscatine, IA to lead procurement of supplier services and indirect materials across multiple facilities. You will develop category strategies, negotiate contracts, and drive value through supplier partnerships.

This role requires a Bachelor’s in Operations or Supply Chain, 6+ years purchasing experience, and the ability to collaborate across teams. Travel up to 20% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations or Supply Chain Management or related field.
• 6+ years of purchasing experience.
• Experience with supplier contracts and category strategies.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement of supplier services and indirect materials for multiple facilities.
• Develop category strategies and roadmaps across spend categories.
• Negotiate contracts to optimize quality, service, pricing, and terms.
• Resolve supplier issues including claims, returns, overshipments, and performance concerns.
• Secure favorable vendor terms, pricing, and delivery schedules aligned with budgets.
• Evaluate suppliers through contract management and site visits to ensure capability and performance.
• Lead cross-functional projects and develop innovative solutions to business challenges.
• Build stakeholder partnerships by delivering exceptional service and supporting organizational goals.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Category management

Sourcing

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier relationship mgmt

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations or Supply Chain Management

6+ years purchasing experience

Food manufacturing experience preferred

Job description

KENT WORLDWIDE is seeking a Senior Buyer in Muscatine, IA to lead procurement of supplier services and indirect materials across multiple facilities. You will develop category strategies, negotiate contracts, and drive value through supplier partnerships.

This role requires a Bachelor’s in Operations or Supply Chain, 6+ years purchasing experience, and the ability to collaborate across teams. Travel up to 20% may be required.