Sr. Buyer

**BASIC FUNCTION**Reporting to Supervisor - Mexico Sourcing, this position’s primary responsibility will be to identify, evaluate and on-board suppliers in Mexico and South America in support of Kitchen & Bath needs.This role is part of the Strategic Sourcing group in K&B Purchasing and will support the supply base and supplier relationships for new and in development suppliers for any K&B categories.**SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES**1. Participate in the new vendor strategic sourcing process. This will include supplier search, quotation prep, quote reviews, lead PPAP efforts, supplier/contract negotiations, supplier development and on-boarding (finance, supply chain).- **Actively lead the RFx/acquisition process to secure goods/services in the assigned area of spend to ensure competitiveness and limit risk to Kohler.**- **Drive the supplier management process including registration, NDA submission and eSourcing activities.*****- **Maintain required records such as quotes and price lists, supplier correspondence, contracts and supplier performance data.*****5. Lead sourcing meetings with Category Leaders, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and Supplier.***- **Work with Kohler capital request systems to manage capital investments.*****- **Manage multi-location/global projects with expanded domestic awareness of culture, currency, geography, political, and international exposure.**8. Demonstrate professionalism in communicating: Proactively identifies improvements and supports/qualifies/sells ideas to management. Development of cross functional relationships through active team roles and support, embracing diverse and global cultures.9. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals to perform a variety of tasks. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is expected.**RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS**Supervisory Relationships:- Reports to the Supervisor - Mexico SourcingOrganization Relationships:- Frequent contact with Kohler Co Strategic Sourcing Category Leaders, Supplier Quality Engineers, Operations, Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Supply Chain to determine supply base needs.External Business Relationships:- Frequent contact with external suppliers.**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE*****- **Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business or Engineering.**:- **8+ years of Purchasing experience.**:- **Strong interpersonal skills and desire to work on a team.*****:- **Fluent in English (writing and speaking).*****:- **Proven track record of success in procuring, managing a supply base, negotiations and project management.*****:- **Ability to create category and project strategy with the understanding of interdependences, risks, and impact of strategy by business unit.**:- **Experience with global markets and suppliers and will understand the cost elements, market drivers, forecasting methods, modeling tools, and statistical analysis to develop and drive strategic sourcing of this category.**:- **Able to develop and implement contingency planning processes.**:- **Manage and lead multi-location/global projects with expanded awareness of culture, currency, geography, political, and limited international exposure.**:- **Travel is approximately 40%*****:- **SAP experience is desirable.*****Why Work at Kohler Co.?**Kohler Co.'s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates’ development to make that happen. So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual’s personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler.In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more**About Us**Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities.