Strategic Buyer

Job Title: Strategic Buyer
Department: Procurement / Supply Chain
Reports To: VP of Global Supply Chain and Planning
Location: HAYWARD
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Strategic Buyer to manage strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and procurement activities for key categories. The Strategic Buyer will develop and execute sourcing strategies, negotiate contracts and pricing, manage supplier performance, and identify opportunities to reduce costs while improving quality, delivery, and overall supply-chain performance. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and negotiation skills with a solid understanding of procurement, supplier management, and market dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers.
• Lead RFQs, RFPs, competitive bidding, supplier negotiations, and contract discussions.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, service levels, and other commercial conditions.
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, cost structures, and commodity pricing to support purchasing decisions.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving, cost-avoidance, and value-improvement opportunities.
• Monitor supplier performance against quality, cost, delivery, and service expectations.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards and performance improvement plans.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Quality, Planning, and other internal stakeholders.
• Manage purchase agreements, contracts, and commercial terms in accordance with company policies.
• Assess supply risks and develop appropriate mitigation and contingency strategies.
• Support supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, pricing information, contracts, and supplier documentation.
• Track procurement KPIs and provide regular reporting to management.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, ethical standards, and applicable regulations.
• Support new product introductions, supplier transitions, and other strategic projects as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 5–7  years of experience in strategic sourcing, purchasing, procurement, or supply chain.
• Demonstrated experience with supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, including the ability to evaluate total  cost and sourcing opportunities.
• Experience with ERP/procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, Coupa, or similar platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with data analysis.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across departments.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• High level of attention to detail and commercial awareness.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPSM, CIPS, CSCP, or other procurement/supply-chain certification.??
• Experience with strategic sourcing and category management.
• Experience managing international or global suppliers.
• Knowledge of contract law, supplier risk management, and procurement best practices.
• Experience in [specific industry/category].

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Cost savings and cost-avoidance achieved.
• Supplier performance and on-time delivery.
• Quality and supplier defect performance.
• Contract and sourcing compliance.
• Supplier risk reduction.
• Procurement cycle-time improvements.
• Successful sourcing and supplier-development initiatives.
• Stakeholder satisfaction.

Core Competencies

• Strategic sourcing
• Negotiation and influencing
• Supplier relationship management
• Commercial and financial analysis
• Market and cost analysis
• Risk management
• Contract management
• Problem solving
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Data-driven decision making
• Communication and presentation skills