Strategic Buyer

OVERALL POSITION PURPOSE:

The Strategic Buyer develops mid- to long-term sourcing strategies aligned with TKAS objectives, driving cost competitiveness, supplier innovation, and risk mitigation across assigned categories. This role leads strategic negotiations, manages key supplier relationships, and partners with engineering and operations to influence design, optimize cost, and secure supply continuity at a strategic level.

CORE TASKS:

• Develop and execute multi‑year category strategies that support business objectives.
• Lead strategic negotiations, contract development, and mid- to long‑term supplier agreements.
• Conduct market intelligence, commodity analysis, and should‑cost/TCO modeling to inform sourcing decisions.
• Drive supplier innovation, early supplier involvement, and VA/VE initiatives with cross‑functional teams.
• Lead supplier evaluations, audits, and development programs to strengthen performance and capability.
• Manage supplier segmentation and performance governance for key strategic categories.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Legal to influence specifications and cost structures.
• Identify strategic opportunities for cost optimization and supply base consolidation.
• Assess supply risk and implement mitigation strategies across geopolitical, financial, quality, and capacity segments.
• Manage a portfolio of strategically relevant suppliers and evaluate new potential suppliers.
• Drive RFQ processes for technically complex categories and ensure compliance with company policies and ethical standards.
  1. Managing both direct and indirect spend categories to meet diverse business needs.
• Track and report KPIs related to cost savings, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and strategy execution.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not exhaustive. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

☒Employees: Responsible for working in accordance with the training, work procedures, and instructions to ensure satisfactory Safety Health & Environmental performance.   Exercise personal responsibility in taking reasonable care of the safety and health of themselves and others who may be affected by their activities.  Responsible for reporting accidents, unsafe acts and defective equipment to their supervisor.  Cooperate with management and supervisors by actively participating in Safety Health & Environmental improvement activities.

QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION HOLDER:

Experts Know How/Knowledge:

• Experience with SAP or proficiency with any other MRP/ERP system
• Advance and PowerPoint
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with negotiations
• Knowledge of TCO models, cost drivers, and commodity analysis
• Experience leading cross-functional sourcing projects
• Ability to read engineering drawings or understand technical specifications.
• Strong discipline and attention to detail to provide accurate and timely data.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and make data-driven strategic decisions that balance cost, risk, and business objectives.
• Self‑driven professional with strong ownership of category strategy execution and proactive identification of sourcing opportunities.
• Commitment to observing all safety rules, procedures, and OSHA regulations.

Expected (Educational) Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or any other related field (preferred).

Expected Years of Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in a procurement or strategic sourcing role within a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of experience with contract negotiation and management.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office Employees

• Typical office environment

• Mostly indoor office environment with windows

• Offices with equipment noise

• Offices with frequent interruptions