Sr. Buyer - Power Systems Division

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC in Wisconsin is seeking a Senior Buyer to lead procurement, supplier performance, and inventory management within the Power Systems Division.

The role collaborates with the Materials Manager, suppliers, and engineering to optimize cost, quality, and delivery while driving continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings strong negotiation and relationship-building skills, experience in supplier management, and the ability to influence across cross-functional teams in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Management or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, supply chain or materials management.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal and time management skills.
• Demonstrated success in supplier management, including negotiation, quality, delivery and cost performance.
• Experience leading cost reduction, inventory management and new product development projects.
• Ability to prioritize effectively, solve problems analytically and drive results.
• Experience coaching, developing or leading teams either through direct supervision or cross‑functional leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement activities, including sourcing, purchasing, inventory planning, and material flow.
• Lead supplier negotiations involving pricing, contracts, delivery performance, and service levels.
• Evaluate, select, and develop suppliers in partnership with the Materials Manager and engineering team.
• Build collaborative supplier relationships while identifying opportunities for supplier consolidation and risk reduction.
• Conduct supplier visits, audits, and performance reviews.
• Manage supplier corrective action processes and ensure timely resolution of quality or delivery issues.
• Monitor and communicate Market Rate of Demand (MRD) changes to suppliers.
• Drive cost reduction, productivity, quality, delivery, and simplification initiatives.
• Manage material price variance, inventory turns, and inventory optimization programs.
• Track and document cost savings and cost avoidance projects.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle‑count oversight and inventory management practices.
• Support inventory transition activities related to product launches, engineering changes, and product obsolescence.
• Manage MOH and inactive inventory performance metrics.
• Lead or support divisional materials and supply chain improvement projects.
• Develop and implement materials strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Actively participate in New Product Development (NPD) initiatives.
• Partner daily with manufacturing, engineering, and other cross‑functional teams to ensure material availability and operational continuity.
• Champion and implement ITW business principles, including 80/20, Product Line Simplification, Market Rate of Demand (MRD), Empowerment, Trust, and Continuous Improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Supplier management

Inventory management

Cost reduction

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

The Senior Buyer is a key supply chain leader responsible for driving procurement, supplier performance, inventory management, and continuous improvement initiatives within the Power Systems Division. This individual will partner closely with the Materials Manager, suppliers, engineering and cross‑functional teams to ensure excellence in cost, quality and delivery. The position is expected to provide leadership, develop talent and drive results across the organization and offers growth. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced environment, demonstrates strong negotiation and relationship‑building skills and can drive change through collaboration and influence.

Essential Functions

Supply Chain & Procurement

• Manage procurement activities, including sourcing, purchasing, inventory planning, and material flow.
• Lead supplier negotiations involving pricing, contracts, delivery performance, and service levels.
• Evaluate, select, and develop suppliers in partnership with the Materials Manager and engineering team.
• Build collaborative supplier relationships while identifying opportunities for supplier consolidation and risk reduction.
• Conduct supplier visits, audits, and performance reviews.
• Manage supplier corrective action processes and ensure timely resolution of quality or delivery issues.
• Monitor and communicate Market Rate of Demand (MRD) changes to suppliers.

Cost & Inventory Management

• Drive cost reduction, productivity, quality, delivery, and simplification initiatives.
• Manage material price variance, inventory turns, and inventory optimization programs.
• Track and document cost savings and cost avoidance projects.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle‑count oversight and inventory management practices.
• Support inventory transition activities related to product launches, engineering changes, and product obsolescence.
• Manage MOH and inactive inventory performance metrics.

Operational Excellence & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead or support divisional materials and supply chain improvement projects.
• Develop and implement materials strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Actively participate in New Product Development (NPD) initiatives.
• Partner daily with manufacturing, engineering, and other cross‑functional teams to ensure material availability and operational continuity.
• Champion and implement ITW business principles, including 80/20, Product Line Simplification, Market Rate of Demand (MRD), Empowerment, Trust, and Continuous Improvement.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to materials personnel and cross‑functional teams.
• Depending on organizational needs and candidate experience, the role may include direct supervision of materials personnel.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve efficiency, and develop organizational capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Management or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, supply chain or materials management.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal and time management skills.
• Demonstrated success in supplier management, including negotiation, quality, delivery and cost performance.
• Experience leading cost reduction, inventory management and new product development projects.
• Ability to prioritize effectively, solve problems analytically and drive results.
• Experience coaching, developing or leading teams either through direct supervision or cross‑functional leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office applications.
• Commitment to continuous learning 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.