Strategic Operational Buyer Leader – Manufacturing

Edwards Vacuum LLC; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 79,530 - 99,420; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Variable Compensation Bonus

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k with Company Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Time

Tuition Reimbursement

Training and Development

Parental Leave

Disability Benefits

Life and AD&D Insurance

Job summary

Edwards Vacuum LLC in Buffalo, NY, seeks an experienced Procurement Leader to manage end-to-end operational procurement for PC Genesee manufacturing, ensuring uninterrupted material supply and strong supplier performance within a lean production environment.

You will lead a team of Operational Buyers, drive supplier development, manage SAP-based procurement activities, and partner with planning, engineering, and quality to cut costs and improve delivery reliability.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing procurement or a supply chain environment.
• Experience in direct and indirect procurement (hybrid responsibility).
• Strong SAP MM knowledge in MRP-driven environments.
• Advanced understanding of lean manufacturing principles and supply chain optimization.
• Experience working with global suppliers in electronics, mechanical, and industrial components.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex supply disruptions.
• Proven experience in supplier performance management and development.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong English communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work under pressure in a high-mix, high-urgency production environment.
• This role supports end-to-end procurement activities for PC Genesee manufacturing operations, including both direct materials and indirect goods/services.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational purchasing activities for direct and indirect materials to ensure uninterrupted supply to production cells.
• Develop and implement supplier performance improvement plans (OTD, lead time, flexibility, buffer strategy, freight optimization).
• Act as primary escalation point for critical supplier issues impacting production continuity.
• Lead regular business reviews with strategic suppliers and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify supply risks (capacity, quality, logistics, financial) and implement mitigation plans.
• Drive reduction of supplier lead times and improve responsiveness to production demand changes.
• Ensure compliance with global procurement policies, SAP processes, and internal control requirements.
• Coordinate with planning and production teams to align procurement execution with production schedules.
• Manage supplier onboarding, development, and performance evaluation activities.
• Resolve complex invoicing, pricing, and payment discrepancies in collaboration with finance.
• Support NPI (New Product Introduction) by ensuring material readiness with minimum disruption and obsolescence risk.
• Lead and mentor Operational Buyers, ensuring consistent execution across purchasing activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement processes (automation, digital tools, standard work).

Skills

SAP MM experience

Lean manufacturing

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

SAP MM

Job description

Edwards Vacuum LLC in Buffalo, NY, seeks an experienced Procurement Leader to manage end-to-end operational procurement for PC Genesee manufacturing, ensuring uninterrupted material supply and strong supplier performance within a lean production environment.

You will lead a team of Operational Buyers, drive supplier development, manage SAP-based procurement activities, and partner with planning, engineering, and quality to cut costs and improve delivery reliability.