Sr. Buyer

Procurement / Supply Chain Specialist

Location: Dayton, Ohio
Company: Confidential (Partnered with Twin Resources)

Position Summary

Twin Resources is partnering with a dynamic and growing manufacturer in the Dayton, Ohio area to identify an experienced Procurement / Supply Chain Specialist. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic procurement initiatives to ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials, components, and supplies.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in supplier management, contract negotiation, and cost control, while collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, production, planning, and quality teams to optimize supply chain performance and mitigate risk.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Purchasing

• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to secure optimal pricing, quality, and lead times
• Issue and manage purchase orders, ensuring on-time delivery and accuracy
• Monitor material costs and support initiatives aligned with budget and profitability targets
• Drive cost-reduction strategies and improve supplier performance
• Support sourcing activities for new product development initiatives

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to support long-term business objectives
• Evaluate supplier performance, ensuring adherence to quality and delivery standards
• Resolve supplier-related issues including quality concerns, delivery delays, and pricing discrepancies
• Identify and qualify alternative suppliers to strengthen supply chain resilience

Inventory & Material Planning

• Partner with Production, Planning, and Warehouse teams to ensure consistent material availability
• Optimize inventory levels to balance carrying costs with operational needs
• Support supplier-managed inventory (SMI) and just-in-time (JIT) initiatives
• Analyze purchasing trends and forecast material requirements based on demand planning

Contract & Compliance Management

• Negotiate and manage supplier agreements, contracts, and commercial terms
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to ensure materials meet specifications
• Assess and mitigate supply chain risks, including supplier financial stability and market conditions

Continuous Improvement & Cost Savings

• Lead strategic sourcing and supplier collaboration initiatives to drive cost savings
• Partner with Engineering to identify material standardization and alternative sourcing opportunities
• Track and report key procurement metrics, including cost savings, supplier performance, and lead times
• Participate in lean initiatives to improve procurement processes and eliminate waste

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain within a manufacturing or assembly environment
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems for purchasing and material planning
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles, contract negotiation, and cost analysis

Skills & Competencies

• Proven negotiation skills and ability to build and manage supplier relationships
• Strong analytical mindset with experience in cost reduction and risk mitigation
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, JIT, and strategic sourcing methodologies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ERP/MRP systems
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment
• Exposure to typical plant conditions including noise, machinery, and varying temperatures