Sr. Buyer

Responsible for financial and operational performance within MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations). MRO consists primarily but is not limited to Power Transmission & Bearings; General Industrial and Electrical Supplies; Chemicals and Abrasives; PPE and various mechanical components. Position is responsible for negotiating materials, equipment, and/or services agreements for mainly North America, but also needs to look at synergies for across business units or at a regional/global level. Accountable for all supplier selection decisions within the category.

Prepares and evaluates supplier quotations and services to determine most competitive solution based upon a total cost of ownership and synergy with our business. Familiar with a variety of purchasing concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. Responsible for setting performance objectives and strategy within category.

Conducts multi-functional supplier performance management reviews. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is required. May have limited supervision responsibilities.

**SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Manage the design and implementation of category strategies to attain year over year material cost reduction (PPV/MPV), material quality/delivery improvements and inventory reduction targets through the use of appropriate supply chain tools.
- Lead the strategic sourcing process of team formation, research, evaluation, and structure. To include RFQ development, quotation reviews (traditional and on-line reverse auctions), supplier/contract negotiations and supplier development. Lead sourcing meetings with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing etc. to reach consensus on sourcing strategy.
- Own the supplier relationship for key suppliers in designated spend category while leading negotiations with suppliers to deliver stated objectives.
- Maintain a working knowledge of world-class supply chain processes to ensure that existing processes are targeted to attain excellence versus industry benchmarks. Lead best cost country sourcing for the appropriate sub-categories for year-over-year net cost reductions. Lead the supply base in implementation of eCommerce tools to automate transactions, bring flexibility and transparency to the supply chain.
- Work closely with strategic and preferred suppliers to identify and resource productivity/cost down initiatives through the use of VA/VE tools.
- Work with Supplier Quality and Engineering to develop new suppliers as required. Drive leading edge procurement by working closely with the supply base and the material planning group to actively integrate the suppliers into Kohler plants through the appropriate use of Kanbans, VMI or related tools.

**REQUIRED COMPETENCIES**

Business/Technology

Ability to construct and manage complex, sophisticated commercial arrangements; Capable of creating pre-negotiation strategy including company BATNA. Experienced in negotiating/managing point-to-point purchase agreements. Ability to construct value stream (profit margin) industry maps, utilize advanced financial techniques (commodity hedging), and build market comparable cost analysis. Skilled in multi-tier supply chain analysis. Ability to create spend category strategy with the understanding of interdependences, risks, and impact of strategy by business unit. Able to develop & implement contingency planning processes.

Provides solution/alternatives to improvement ideas. Takes initiative to undertake improvement opportunities that are global in scope and complexity, setting strategies for process improvements that impact the work product of the department. Drives one company one process initiatives. Skilled in implementing continuous improvement opportunities within the supply base.

Interpersonal

Communicates departmental vision and goals, create an atmosphere of open communication. Provides presentation opportunities for developing talent visibility with senior management. Issues undertaken are significant in scope and complexity. Actively supports change opportunities to maximize personal, departmental and/or company performance. Influences relationships, proficient in market research and capable of reacting to the speed of the industry. Recognizes and capitalizes on team dynamics, seeking out both internal and external opportunities for a team environment. Identifies critical relationship building opportunities.

Managerial

Leads multi-location projects and actively participates and supports professional development, for both associates and department as a whole. Develops strategic plans and goals while understanding industry direction and influences that force change. Shares the vision both internally and externally.

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS**

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or Engineering. Minimum five years professional experience and three years s