Strategic Buyer- Direct Materials NA

Bosch USA; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Bosch Rexroth is seeking a Strategic Buyer – Direct Materials for the North America region. You will drive supplier relations, lead negotiations, and optimize cost, quality, and delivery while strengthening the supply base across key commodities.

You will partner with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Operations to align strategies and execute end-to-end procurement, including localization efforts and international collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant field.
• 3+ years in procurement/strategic sourcing in manufacturing.
• Experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing relationships.
• Experience with direct material purchasing and cost-saving initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives including supplier selection, RFQs, contract negotiation, and cost reduction programs.
• Develop commodity strategies aligned with objectives and savings targets.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with domestic and international suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, performance, and risks to ensure quality 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 for data-driven decisions.
• Identify localization opportunities to 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.
• Maintain and strengthen supplier relationships for long-term partnerships.
• Provide guidance to junior buyers as applicable.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cost savings

Procurement

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Company Description

Our drive and control technologies ensure efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. We inspire our customers with intelligent components, tailored system solutions, and services – from fully connected applications to the factory of the future. Bosch Rexroth is dedicated to making the world a better place through innovation and technology. We are looking for associates who will take on our customers’ challenges with passion and persistence until the right solution is found and who will thrive in a face-paced, collaborative and exciting environment.

Why work with Bosch Rexroth?

• Challenging Projects: We are driven by innovation and being at the cutting edge of everything that we do. At Bosch Rexroth every day is different, and your time will be filled with interesting and exciting projects.
• Amazing Colleagues:Our people make us who we are, and we are very proud of our diverse and skilled global team. Having a supportive and encouraging team around you can make all the difference.
• Learning and Development:We want you to reach your fullest potential, for both yourself and for Bosch Rexroth. That’s why we actively promote growth and development.
• Change the World:We want to give you the opportunity to not only drive your career forward but also to change the world. The work we do at Bosch Rexroth can make a big difference to the world around you.
• Social & Value-Driven:We have a tradition of assuming social responsibility in all that we do. Our success, and our roadmap for thefuture, is based on our lived values. This covers everything, from community to the environment, to being a social employer.
• Flexibility & Freedom:We strive to give you a balance between your work and home life, as well as the freedom to drive your career forward.
• International Opportunities:We are a truly global, fully networked company, with locations in more than 80 countries all over the world

Job Description

The 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
• 3+ 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

The salary range for this position is $82,900 to $91,000 annually based on experience.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability / veterans