Senior Buyer - Components Division

ITW; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

ITW Welding is seeking a Senior Buyer to lead strategic sourcing and supplier management for the Components Division in Appleton, WI. You will drive negotiations, supplier visits, and quality audits while coordinating with operations and engineering teams to meet material requirements and drive continuous improvement.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3+ years in materials management, with travel as needed for supplier engagement and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Operations, Supply Chain, or Business Management.
• 3+ years of progressive materials management experience.
• Experience with supplier management (negotiation, delivery, and quality) and managing cost savings initiatives.
• Willingness to travel as needed for supplier engagement and audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and resourcing projects across the division.
• Build and manage a robust supplier base; negotiate price, delivery, and quality terms.
• Coordinate with operations, product, and engineering teams to drive improvements.
• Oversee procurement activities, storage, and shipment of materials; align with MRD adjustments.
• Drive cost-improvement initiatives and track savings.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Negotiation

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations, Supply Chain, or Business Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description:

Join Our Team as a Senior Buyer – Be a Key Player in Driving Supply Chain Excellence!

Are you a change-maker with a passion for leadership and supply chain strategy? Step into the role of Senior Buyer —a dynamic position where you’ll thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment. You’ll leverage your strong interpersonal skills to lead, coordinate, and support critical supply chain initiatives for theComponents Division. From tactical execution to strategic planning, you’ll drive continuous improvement with our suppliers and manufacturing teams—all while aligning with the broader goals of the ITW Welding Group Companies. If you’re a natural leader who’s excited to motivate and inspire a team toward productivity and growth, this is the opportunity for you!

What You’ll Do:

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Spearhead strategic sourcing and resourcing projects across the division
• Build and manage a robust supplier base
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with key vendors (not just transactional!)
• Take the lead on vendor negotiations—price, delivery, and quality compliance
• Conduct impactful supplier visits, evaluations, and quality audits
• Drive proactive resolution through the Corrective Action Request (CAR) process
• Collaborate daily with operations, product, and engineering teams

Procurement

• Own activities related to procurement, storage, and shipment of materials
• Align supplier schedules with real-time material requirements (MRD adjustments)
• Manage raw materials during new product introductions and product transitions
• Oversee cycle counts and master inventory management
• Hit MOH (Months On Hand) targets and keep non-active inventory under control
• Supervise material handlers and inventory specialists while continuously improving processes

Cost Improvement

• Champion cost, quality, delivery, productivity, and simplification initiatives
• Document and celebrate all cost savings and cost avoidance achievements
• Manage material price variance, improve inventory turns, and lead cost-reduction programs

How to be successful:

• Deliver Results: set and achieve both short- and long-term goals while maintaining focus on key business priorities.
• Embrace Challenges: thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities with confidence and resilience.
• Take Initiative: demonstrate a self-starter mindset by approaching work with enthusiasm, accountability, and a positive attitude.
• Think Strategically: leverage strong analytical skills to prioritize effectively, solve problems, and make sound business decisions.
• Communicate with Influence: build trust through clear communication and effective negotiation that drives mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Champion Collaboration: foster a team-first culture by building strong relationships and encouraging cross-functional partnership.
• Lead with Impact: inspire others through exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and time-management skills while delivering results.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Operations, Supply Chain, or Business Management
• 3+ years of progressive materials management experience
• Experience withsupplier management(negotiation, delivery, and quality) and managing cost savings initiatives
• Strong computer skills, especially inMicrosoft Office
• Willingness to travel as needed for supplier engagement and audits

Company Description

Comprised of a market-leading portfolio of best-in-class brands, the businesses of ITW Welding work together to provide premium performance delivered through a breadth of solutions encompassing welding, cutting, consumables, and accessories. ITW Welding North America represents Miller Electric Welding Equipment, Safety & Accessories, Hobart Filler Metals, and Bernard / Tregaskiss MIG Guns.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW). The company maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality and responsiveness. Our tagline, “The Power of Blue®,” is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

Thecompany began with an innovation that responded to customer needs, growing from a one-man operation in 1929, to the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding products. Miller keeps the tradition alive by focusing on its top priority: people.

Additional Information

ITW Welding is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why ITW Welding?

Here’s what we offer to help you build the future you want:

• Generous Retirement Benefits –401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution to help you plan for the future.
• Paid Time Off –11 paid holidays, 5 sick days, and vacation time to take time for what matters.
• Company-Paid Insurance –Life, AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance to give you peace of mind.
• Family-Friendly Benefits –4 weeks of paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement to support your family journey.
• Education Assistance –tuition reimbursement because we believe in investing in your personal and professional development.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.