Strategic Buyer

Title: Strategic Buyer

Company: Bossard

Location: Cedar Falls, IA (Hybrid)

Are you ready to work for a company that offers a range of opportunities to develop your career? Do you want to expand and develop your skills and capabilities in a dynamic, international business environment? Then Bossard is the company for you!

Bossard is a global leader in fastening technology and smart supply solutions, partnering with manufacturers across industries to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize production processes.

We are currently seeking a Strategic Buyer. Under the supervision of the Purchasing Manager, the Strategic Buyer analyzes customer demand of products during the implementation of new business projects, initiates actions to procure needed materials within the project timeline, places initial purchase orders, expedites products as needed, manages supplier relationships and related data files including supplier pricing, and performs other routine purchasing duties.

• Collaborate with sales and support staff to quote and implement new business opportunities.
• Research inventory records to determine if parts on hand are insufficient or excess quantities; develop action plans to rebalance the demand versus supply position.
• Develop and maintain pricing analysis on Parts Assortment for key segments — EV/Automotive, Rail, Agriculture, Medical, Industrial, etc. as assigned.
• Purchase the correct quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in the correct amounts delivered at the right time.
• Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requests for orders for goods and services.
• Performs schedule maintenance based on project timeline developments.
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier’s reputation and history.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships
• Maintains appropriate records to support material acquisition decisions and to perform related analyses as needed.
• Performs such other tasks and special projects as may be assigned from time to time by the unit manager.
• Use a combination of internal tools and reports while communicating with Sales, support staff, and suppliers, to effectively expedite the delivery of product.
• Manage Supplier Reject Notice with assigned customer projects to enable a timely disposition of non-conforming products.
• Manage cost accountability process related to assigned implementation projects
• Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
• Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors and other representatives.
• Utilizes analytics, metrics, and market testing to ensure competitive pricing and appropriate quality level of products for related projects.
• Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and in the event of problems, trace shipments and follow up on undelivered goods.
• Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
• Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine the need for changes.
• Review catalogues, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and internet sites, and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services.
• Interview vendors and visit suppliers’ plants to examine and learn about products, services, and prices.
• Process Corrective Actions related to assigned job duties.
• Manage and process PPAPs and PPWs.
• Other duties may be assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree with 2-5 years’ experience is desired, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Intermediate proficiency in:
• Microsoft Word and Excel
• Outlook
• ERP experience

• Benefits — Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K
• Paid Holidays
• Career Advancement Opportunities