Senior Buyer (HLK)

U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC; Holyoke (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC is seeking a Senior Buyer in Holyoke, MA to oversee material planning and procurement. The role focuses on maximizing cash flow and on‑time delivery while improving material flow.

Responsibilities include supplier management, RFQs, contract negotiations, and cross‑functional collaboration with production planning, operations, logistics, and R&D. Strong analytical skills and negotiation ability are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or APICS/ISM certification.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP principles and supply chain planning.
• 3+ years of Materials, Planning and Inventory experience.
• Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Knowledge of import/export regulations and tariffs.
• Proficient in Excel and Project Planning.

Responsibilities

• Procurement and planning activities – sharing best practices.
• Manage external suppliers to ensure on‑time delivery.
• Collaborate with planning, operations and logistics to align procurement.
• Establish strategic supplier relationships.
• Lead negotiations with vendors for material and cost savings.
• Work with R&D, Engineering, Production and Finance on procurement needs.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements.
• Conduct supplier visits and review performance.

Skills

Materials planning

ERP/MRP

Excel

Project planning

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical

Education

Bachelor's degree

APICS/ISM cert

Job description

Description

The TSUBAKI name is synonymous with excellence in quality, dependability and customer service. U.S. Tsubaki is a leading manufacturer and supplier of power transmission and motion control products. As a part of a vast, international network of corporate and industrial resources, Tsubaki offers its customers the finest state-of-the-art products available in the world and we strive to be the “Best Value” supplier in the industry.

The Senior Buyer is responsible for overseeing/executing to material plan goals and objectives based on business needs while continuously improving material flow to maximize cash flow and material turns while maintaining on time delivery objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities of this job are included but not limited to this job description – other tasks may be assigned and expected to be performed.

• Responsible for procurement and planning activities – sharing best practices and strategic supplier development.
• Manage external suppliers and have raw materials, sourced parts bought at the most competitive price and delivered on time for production.
• Collaborate with production planning, operations, and logistics to align procurement with demand forecast.
• Establish strategic relationships with key suppliers who are aligned to the company's needs.
• Support and lead negotiations with vendors for material that supports the operations. Plus, track supplier performance to help with the contract process.
• Lead supplier selections, RFQs and contract negotiations to achieve cost savings and favorable terms, including discount structures and volume rebates.
• Work closely with R&D, Engineering, Production, Planning, Finance and others in support of all procurement requirements and business development.
• Monitor supplier performance (Quality, Delivery, Cost, Responsiveness) and drive continuous improvements – including secondary sourcing strategies to reduce supply risk
• Build trust, positive and professional relationships among our team members and suppliers.
• Review supplier contracts and share with our Corporate Sourcing/Legal Team – compliance documents to insurance forms for external suppliers that perform work in the plant.
• Understand material specification and quality metrics pertaining to the components. Working with Eng./R&D and Suppliers.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively perform under a heavy volume, time constrained environment.
• Resolving pricing, lead time, problems that do not meet the business needs, identify, and implement new opportunities and cost savings.
• Continually improve purchasing methods and drive down external spending.
• Supplier visits to review performance and opportunities. Such visits may be at very short notice.
• Other tasks/functions as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or APICS/ISM Certification
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP principles and supply chain planning
• 3+ years of Materials, Planning and Inventory experience
• Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills
• Knowledge of import/export regulations and tariffs
• Proficient in Excel and Project Planning.

Learn more about U.S. Tsubaki at: www.ustsubaki.com/careers

U.S. Tsubaki offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including health benefits effective on date of hire, dental and vision benefits effective on the first of the month following date of hire, Paid Time Off ("PTO"), 10 paid holidays, generous 401(k) match and profit sharing, annual bonus potential, life insurance, short and long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, education reimbursement, home and auto insurance discounts, and pet insurance.

The estimated salary range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. Tsubaki does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas.

Tsubaki is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability

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