Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, with facilities across the U.S., Lozier Corporation is the leading manufacturer of products used by retailers in stores and warehouses, with a vision to be operationally excellent in support of retail's present and future. Retailers have relied on our quality products and service for more than 65 years.

Benefits and Schedule

Company bonus potential. PTO (Paid Time Off) plus paid holidays. Competitive benefits package (Eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits on the first day of employment). Onsite Health Clinic. 401(k) with employer match. Employee Assistance Program. Educational Assistance Program. Career Development Programs. Casual dress. Monday thru Friday schedule, hybrid schedule available after training.

Position Summary

The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading sourcing and purchasing activities for complex commodities, materials, and services critical to company operations. This role develops and executes sourcing strategies, negotiates high-value supplier agreements, and drives initiatives to improve cost, quality, delivery performance, and supply continuity. The Senior Buyer serves as a subject matter expert within the procurement function, collaborates extensively with cross-functional teams, and provides guidance to less experienced buyers.

Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrate leadership by championing Lozier's Mission, Vision, and Values and living the Lozier Leadership Model.
• Lead procurement activities for assigned high-value or complex commodities, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and purchasing execution.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to support operational requirements, cost objectives, and long-term supply continuity.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, contracts, and commercial terms to achieve favorable cost, quality, and delivery outcomes.
• Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships, including conducting regular performance reviews and driving continuous improvement.
• Analyze market conditions, supplier capabilities, and cost drivers to support strategic sourcing decisions.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance metrics, including quality, delivery reliability, and cost competitiveness.
• Lead resolution of complex supplier issues, including quality concerns, delivery risks, and contractual disputes.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, operations, planning, and quality to support production requirements and business objectives.
• Assess supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply.
• Support new product introductions by sourcing materials, evaluating supplier capabilities, and coordinating procurement timelines.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior buyers and procurement staff on best practices and purchasing strategies.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation, supplier agreements, and purchasing records within enterprise systems.
• Demonstrate regular attendance and timeliness in reporting to work, meetings, and completing assignments.
• Ability to work and interact well with others.

Other Job Functions

• Monitor commodity market trends and communicate potential impacts to leadership and stakeholders.
• Support evaluation and onboarding of strategic suppliers.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives related to supply chain optimization.
• Assist in resolving issues related to excess or obsolete materials.
• Assist with special procurement projects as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Education: Bachelor degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or another related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or another related field, preferably in a manufacturing environment, if degreed. Minimum of 9 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or another related field, preferably in a manufacturing environment, if non-degreed. Previous experience in a senior or lead role is preferred.

Required Skills

• Intermediate PC skills (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Advanced knowledge of procurement principles, sourcing strategies, and supplier management practices
• Proven ability to negotiate complex supplier agreements and commercial terms
• Strong analytical and cost evaluation skills
• Ability to assess supply chain risks and develop mitigation plans
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive business outcomes

Preferred Skills

• Professional procurement certification (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CPP).
• Experience managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and material planning concepts.
• Experience supporting new product introductions.
• Familiarity with international sourcing and global supply chains.
• Prior Oracle experience.

Special Demands

• Occasional travel including overnight stays.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to navigate in a manufacturing environment, including navigating stairs.
• May require exposure to production areas, equipment, and noise.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as assigned by their supervisor. Lozier reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way desired and the essential job functions may be modified to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Successful completion of pre-hire drug screen and post offer background screen is required to obtain employment. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.