Sr. Buyer

Job Description:

Buehler, a division of Illinois Tool Works, is a leading manufacturer of scientific equipment and supplies for use in material analysis.  Over the past 90 years, Buehler has established sales, manufacturing and laboratory services located throughout North America, Europe and Asia.  Comprised of world-class products and brands, such as Wilson Hardness, Buehler continues a long history of providing market-leading technology to support our customers in their sample preparation and material analysis applications. 

Buehler’s parent company,  ITW, is a Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturer of value-added consumables and specialty equipment with related service businesses. The Company focuses on profitable growth with strong returns across worldwide platforms and businesses. The businesses serve local customers and markets around the globe, with a significant presence in developed as well as emerging markets

The Senior Buyer is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that ensure a reliable, cost-effective supply of materials to support production, customer demand, and business objectives. This role leads supplier selection, relationship management, negotiations, and performance improvement initiatives while driving supply continuity, cost optimization, and risk mitigation across assigned commodities.

The Senior Buyer partners closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to align sourcing decisions, inventory strategies, and material availability with operational and financial goals. In addition to strategic sourcing responsibilities, the role oversees MRD- and Kanban-based replenishment processes to balance inventory investment, working capital, and service requirements.

The position proactively identifies supply risks, monitors market and supplier performance trends, supports contract and compliance activities, and drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance supplier performance, procurement effectiveness, and overall supply chain performance.

• Own end-to-end material replenishment and procurement for assigned commodities, ensuring supply continuity while optimizing inventory and cost
• Lead MRD and Kanban-based replenishment strategies, maintaining effective inventory parameters, SLOB’s, lead times, and supplier commitments
• Own supplier relationships and performance, driving improvements in delivery, quality, cost, service, and responsiveness
• Proactively manage material requirements and supply risks, resolve shortages, capacity constraints, and supplier issues that could impact production or customer demand
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies through supplier selection, competitive bidding, negotiations, and alternate-source development; directly support NPD and sustainable sourcing efforts
• Lead negotiations and cost optimization initiatives to improve commercial terms, total cost of ownership, and overall supplier value
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering and Quality to align on material requirements, ECN activity, sourcing priorities, and supplier transitions with business objectives
• Drive procurement best practices and execution, ensuring ERP data accuracy, process discipline, and compliance with company policies and requirements

Qualifications:

• At least Five (5) years’ experience in sourcing and/or purchasing electro-mechanical components; experience in low volume/high mix manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience executing supplier negotiations and problem solving related to cost, quality, delivery, service and technical issues.
• Demonstrated ability to identify business process issues and drive process improvement
• Superior Leadership, interpersonal and influencing skills. Experience in initiating and developing relationships and management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills (both verbal and written)

• Experience in ERP based procurement systems, automated or semi-automated reporting tools, business intelligence, etc.

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel. Macros and queries coding is preferred.
• Ability to plan strategically while supporting daily tactical activities.
• Advanced organizational ability, planning and prioritization skills.
• Results oriented with creative problem-solving capabilities
• Open-minded self-starter with the ability to adapt, improvise, and multi-task.
• Ability to work independently on multiple tasks and projects with various stakeholders.
• Certification on APICS or CPM or CPSM is a plus
• Travel 0-10%

Additional Information:

• 7.5% 401K match
• 4 weeks of paid time off
• 10 paid company holidays
• Recognition program
• Competitive health insurance

Compensation Information:

The base salary for this position is $65,000-$90,000. Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.