Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

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 35 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.