Senior Buyer

Aquamor is seeking a strategic, execution-focused Senior Buyer to lead procurement performance and governance across our manufacturing operations. This is not a transactional purchasing role, it is a leadership position responsible for building scalable procurement systems, driving supplier accountability, and ensuring material availability at the right quality, total cost, and timing.

You will own supplier strategy, performance scorecards, negotiation outcomes, and ERP execution standards partnering cross-functionally with Planning, Manufacturing, and Quality to proactively manage risk and support operational excellence.

If you thrive in structured environments, hold a high bar for accountability, and know how to turn supplier relationships into measurable performance gains, this role is for you.

What success in the role looks like

• Improved supplier on-time delivery and quality performance
• Reduced cost through negotiation and process improvement
• Strong ERP discipline and reliable reporting
• Reduced supply risk and improved responsiveness
• A procurement team operating with clarity, accountability, and consistency

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead strategic procurement and supplier management by owning supplier selection, commercial negotiations, and category strategies to deliver target performance in quality, total cost, and on-time delivery across critical spend.
• Ensure disciplined purchasing execution and ERP data integrity by maintaining accurate records and transactions in IQMS/ERP, building proficiency in IQMS reporting, and producing reliable procurement reporting to support decisions and operating cadence.
• Establish and run a supplier performance management cadence including supplier scorecards, monthly performance reviews, KPI ownership, and structured feedback loops that drive measurable improvements in delivery, quality, responsiveness, and compliance.
• Partner with Quality on supplier audits and corrective action by coordinating audits, leading resolution of shipment discrepancies (quality, invoicing, credits/returns), and ensuring timely containment, root cause, and corrective/preventive actions with suppliers.
• Align procurement to demand and operations by working with Planning and Manufacturing on forecasts, constraints, and priorities; proactively managing material requirements; and balancing inventory to meet service levels without excess.
• Own procurement risk management by identifying supplier/material risks, implementing mitigation plans (dual-sourcing, safety stock strategies, lead-time management), and monitoring market conditions and industry trends impacting supply continuity.
• Deliver cost savings and process improvements through cost-out initiatives, negotiation-driven savings, and implementation of scalable procurement workflows, policies, and standard work/SOPs.
• Lead and develop the procurement team through clear expectations, coaching, training, and accountability routines (including effective 1:1s), building capability and consistent execution.
• Serve as the procurement interface to internal stakeholders by providing clear, timely communication on open orders, ETAs, constraints, and supplier performance, and by translating business needs into actionable procurement plans.
• Support company operating cadence and audit readiness by contributing to cross-functional initiatives, maintaining compliant procurement practices, and strengthening policies, documentation, and controls to support internal/external audits.

Competencies

• Leadership; Team Coaching & Development
• Strategic Procurement & Supplier Management
• Negotiation & Contracting
• Data-Driven Execution (IQMS/ERP + KPIs)
• Risk Management & Continuous Improvement
• Cross-Functional Influence & Communication

Supervisory Responsibility

This position provides leadership and supervision for the procurement function. They establish priorities, assign work, and develop team capability through coaching, training, and performance management. The role is accountable for procurement execution standards, supplier performance management cadence, and consistent use of IQMS/ERP processes and controls. They ensure the team’s work aligns with Aquamor objectives, values, and compliance requirements.

Required Education and Experience

• BA/BS degree preferred in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of experience in supply chain/procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to manage and coach a team to improve efficiency and communication.
• Demonstrated capability to drive projects, implement process improvements, and execute under deadlines and ambiguity.
• Strong systems aptitude and proficiency with Microsoft and/or Google suite; ERP/MRP experience required; IQMS experience preferred.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Industry experience in automotive, medical, food, packaging, consumer goods, or similar manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience with supplier audits, performance management systems, contract negotiations, and risk mitigation frameworks.
• APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification.

Benefits

Health Insurance, Dental and Vision plans, Life Insurance, 401(k) pretax and 401(k) Roth after-tax retirement plan with Employer match up to 3%, two weeks (80 hours) of vacation paid time off (accrual accumulates bi-weekly), 40 hours of sick paid time, and a tuition reimbursement program (up to $2,000 per year), and corporate gym membership.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $105,000.00 - $118,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 3% Match
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person