Sr. Strategic Buyer- Direct Materials NA

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

Job summary

HydraForce, a Bosch Rexroth company, is seeking a Senior Strategic Buyer – Direct Materials (North America) to drive strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier relationships across assigned commodities in the NA region.

You will partner with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Operations to optimize cost, quality, and delivery while strengthening a resilient supply base. International travel may be involved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain experience.
• Proven supplier contract negotiation experience.
• Experience in strategic sourcing and cost savings in manufacturing.
• Direct material purchasing exposure (metals, castings, hydraulics, components).

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier selection, RFQs, contract negotiation, and cost reduction programs.
• Develop and implement commodity strategies aligned with savings targets.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with domestic and international suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, performance and risks to ensure quality and supply continuity.
• Manage end-to-end procurement from sourcing to delivery.
• Drive supplier performance improvements across cost, quality, and delivery metrics.
• Analyze market trends and cost drivers to inform decisions.
• Identify localization opportunities to source NA materials where possible.
• Lead annual price negotiations and business planning for commodities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve supplier escalations.
• Strengthen supplier relationships for long-term partnerships.
• Mentor junior buyers as applicable.
• Participate in global commodity teams and potential international travel.

Skills

Analytical skills

Vendor negotiations

ERP experience

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Company Description

HydraForce, a Bosch Rexroth company under the compact Hydralics offers one of the most comprehensive lines of high-quality hydraulic cartridge valves for the mobile and industrial equipment markets. We design and manufacture high performance valves that meet virtually any need encountered in machine design. HydraForce cartridge valves are designed to fit a wide range of industry-common valve cavities. Our employees enjoy a fast-paced and challenging work environment that provides them with daily opportunities to Power Forward their careers. For almost 35 years, HydraForce has been producing the most innovative electro-hydraulic control solutions for the mobile machinery and industrial equipment markets.

Bosch Rexroth is one of the world’s leading providers of drive and control technologies. Regardless of the motion task that customers face anywhere in the world, they will always find a Bosch Rexroth team with the local experience and the appropriate know-how from more than 30 industries and all drive and control technologies. Our associates take on their customers’ challenges with passion and persistence until the right solution is found. This is what makes Bosch Rexroth a strong, reliable partner for Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering and Factory Automation. As the Drive & Control Company, we develop, produce, and distribute our components and system solutions in over 80 countries.

Job Description

The Senior Strategic Buyer – Direct Materials (North America) is responsible for driving strategic sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, and leading commercial negotiations across assigned commodities. This role plays a critical part in optimizing cost, quality, and delivery performance while strengthening a competitive and resilient supply base. This position partners closely with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Operations, and serves as an integrated member of the global commodity organization.

Key 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

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

Preferred

• Experience with commodity management or regional/global sourcing strategies
• Familiarity with international supply chains and foreign sourcing
• Experience supporting supplier development and localization initiatives
• Knowledge of quality and logistics escalation processes

Additional Information

Salary range is $95,000 to $115,000 annually, plus bonus.

Indefinite U.S. work authorized individuals only. Future sponsorship for work authorization unavailable.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability / veterans