Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

Position Summary The Senior Buyer is the strategic sourcing owner for all raw materials and components critical to wire and cable manufacturing (copper/aluminum conductors, insulation compounds, jacketing materials, optical fiber, armoring, fillers, tapes, reels, packaging, etc.). This role drives cost reduction, secures supply continuity in volatile commodity markets, and partners closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to support new product introductions and sustained manufacturing excellence.

Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing activities for all raw materials and components.

Develop and execute category strategies that deliver year-over-year cost reduction, quality improvement, and supply-risk mitigation.

Negotiate long-term contracts, pricing, terms & conditions, and master service agreements with suppliers.

Conduct supplier evaluations, audits, risk assessments, and performance reviews.

Drive dual-sourcing and qualification of critical materials to ensure supply continuity.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Finance, and Legal teams.

Manage supplier relationships for strategic and critical suppliers.

Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities.

Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and supply-chain risks (geopolitical, raw material shortages, etc.).

Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, REACH, Conflict Minerals, Anti-Bribery).

Prepare and present procurement reports, savings pipelines, and KPIs to senior leadership.

Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.

7+ years of progressive procurement/purchasing experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior or lead buyer role.

Proven track record of negotiations and documented cost savings.

Strong experience with strategic sourcing methodologies.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics preferred).

Professional certification preferred: CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or CPIM.

Key Skills & Competencies Deep commodity market knowledge (copper, aluminum, polymers, optical fiber).

Advanced negotiation skills in volatile, index-linked markets.

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and cable specifications.

Strong cross-functional collaboration with Engineering and Quality teams.

Analytical rigor and financial acumen.

Comfort working in a fast-paced, plant-floor environment.

Physical Demands Must distinguish colors and pass a colorblind test.

Finger dexterity and hand/eye coordination for operation of office equipment, including PC.

Sitting for periods of time, working at a desk in office environment.

Light lifting, carrying of files, supplies, ability to move, carry, lift up to 30 lbs. of objects.

Ability to speak and hear customers, vendors, and or other employees via phone or in person.

Requires sufficient autonomy, standing and walking to move from one office location to another and throughout the plant.

Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer Proterial Cable America provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. As a Federal Contractor, we encourage priority referral of protected veterans under VEVRAA.