Strategic Buyer

American Greetings; Westlake (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

American Greetings in Westlake, OH is seeking a procurement professional to manage category/commodity supplier relationships on-site. You will negotiate price, terms and service, develop procurement strategies, and collaborate with Creative, Product Management, Fulfillment, and Legal to meet business needs.

The ideal candidate has at least 3 years in procurement or supply chain, a Bachelor's degree, strong project management and analytical skills, and the ability to lead supplier negotiations

Qualifications

• Significant project management skills and ability to manage multiple initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision making.
• Ability to build productive internal and external relationships.
• Proficient in purchasing processes and Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Interfaces with departments to define requirements for products and services within assigned categories.
• Prepare and negotiate RFPs and supplier contracts.
• Source new suppliers, evaluate capabilities, and drive cost savings.
• Ensure supplier development aligns with supply chain performance goals.
• Identify and implement cost reduction strategies across procurement.
• Draft and review service and supply agreements with Legal and management.
• Develop procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct market research to identify industry trends and opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Decision making

Relationship building

Analytical thinking

Multitasking

Business results analysis

MS Office

Purchasing process

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Job Description

Because this position requires regular on-site work at our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, we will focus on candidates who currently reside in Northeast Ohio. Remote work and relocation assistance are NOT available for this role. Responsible for managing all aspects of category/commodity of the supplier relationship including compliance with our delivery, terms, quality, inventory goals and policies; and finalizing and communicating specifications for products and services required, qualifying suppliers, soliciting competitive proposals, negotiating price, terms, quality and service. Selecting suppliers for assigned categories/commodities. Interfaces with various departments to provide a high level of support and service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Interfaces with various departments on projects/programs including Creative, Product Management, Fulfillment, Manufacturing, Legal, Risk Management. Help establish specifications for products and services and support requirements, within assigned category/commodity, services.
• Prepare and negotiate RFP’s.
• Sources new suppliers for key categories/commodities, evaluating and analyzing their capabilities to fulfill American Greetings needs for products and services. Providing innovation, competitive pricing, and quality.
• Ensure ongoing supplier development, to improve supply chain performance.
• Responsible for resolving quality issues with suppliers on products/services received.
• Identifies, evaluates and implements cost reduction strategies within the supply chain process.
• Responsible for drafting service and supply agreements. Reviews these agreements with Legal and management.
• Responsible for training, instructing and supervising.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with business objectives.
• Conduct market research and analyze industry trends to identify cost savings opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with business needs and priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.Prepare and present procurement reports and analytics to senior management.
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor/manager.

Experience Required

Required Length & Type of Experience:

• 3 + years’ experience within procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have significant project management skills and understanding.
• Demonstrated decision-making abilities and a superior ability to integrate information and utilize independent, sound judgment.
• Ability to establish & build productive relationships, both internal and external.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to analyze and interpret business results.
• Strong PC skills to include excellent knowledge of the complete Microsoft suite.
• Proficient in purchasing processes and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills including verbal and written.

Education Required

• Bachelors Degree (Business preferred or other disciplines acceptable)

Please ensure all information submitted in your application is complete and accurate. Verification of candidate information may be conducted during the hiring process. Candidates who provide false, misleading, or materially inaccurate information, including residence or location information, may be disqualified from consideration.

Career Site Category

Corporate Jobs