Senior Strategic Buyer - Direct Materials (NA)

Bosch Group; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

HydraForce, a Bosch Rexroth company, is seeking a Sr. Strategic Buyer - Direct Materials NA to drive strategic sourcing initiatives and manage supplier relationships across North America.

You will lead RFQs, contract negotiations, and cost-reduction programs while aligning commodity strategies with annual savings targets. The role partners with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Operations to optimize cost, quality, and delivery, and may involve international collaboration or travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain roles.
• Proven experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing commercial relationships.
• Experience in strategic sourcing and cost savings initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to direct material purchasing (e.g., metals, castings, hydraulics, components, or similar).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret pricing structures, cost drivers, and market data.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier selection, RFQs, contract negotiation, and cost reduction programs.
• Develop and implement commodity strategies aligned with business objectives and annual savings targets.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms with domestic and international suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, performance, and risks to ensure quality, reliability, and continuity of supply.
• Manage end-to-end procurement activities from sourcing through contract execution and delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery metrics.
• Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and supplier quotations to support data-driven decision making.
• Identify and execute localization opportunities (transition from foreign to North American sourcing where applicable).
• Lead or support annual price negotiations and business planning for assigned commodities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve supplier-related escalations (quality, logistics, pricing discrepancies).
• Maintain and strengthen supplier relationships to support long-term strategic partnerships.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior buyers, as applicable.
• Participate in global commodity teams and initiatives, including potential international collaboration or travel.

Skills

Procurement

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

HydraForce, a Bosch Rexroth company, is seeking a Sr. Strategic Buyer - Direct Materials NA to drive strategic sourcing initiatives and manage supplier relationships across North America.

You will lead RFQs, contract negotiations, and cost-reduction programs while aligning commodity strategies with annual savings targets. The role partners with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Operations to optimize cost, quality, and delivery, and may involve international collaboration or travel.