Strategic Buyer - Louisville, Kentucky

Our client is seeking a Strategic Buyer to join their growing procurement team. This role serves as the critical link between suppliers and internal project teams to ensure materials and components are delivered on time to support complex project schedules and rapid company growth.

The Strategic Buyer will manage key supplier relationships, oversee a multi-million-dollar spend portfolio, and lead strategic sourcing initiatives for technical components used in automated systems. This position plays a key role in supplier development, contract negotiations, cost-reduction initiatives, and supply chain optimization.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement within a manufacturing or engineered products environment.

• Manage strategic supplier relationships for assigned commodity categories to ensure reliable supply and on-time delivery.

• Partner with engineering, business development, project management, and field installation teams to forecast supply needs and support project schedules.

• Execute purchase orders and procurement activities to support operational and project requirements.

• Lead supplier pricing discussions and contract negotiations to achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets.

• Serve as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal teams to resolve supply, cost, or quality issues.

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans to support business growth and supplier optimization.

• Identify, qualify, and develop new domestic and global suppliers.

• Support supplier rationalization initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

• Monitor supplier performance and assist with supply chain risk mitigation strategies.

• Track and report procurement metrics including cost savings and supplier performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or Operations preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain, preferably within strategic sourcing.

• Experience managing supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and commodity sourcing.

• Background in manufacturing, engineered products, automation, or project-based environments preferred.

• Strong ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, project management, and operations teams.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.

• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems preferred.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Ability to travel up to 10% to supplier or customer sites.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

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