Senior Buyer

Job Title:

Senior Buyer

Reports to:

Purchasing Manager

Department/Group:
Purchasing

Travel Required:

Limited

Location:

Chanhassen, MN Version Date:
June 2026

Summary

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the strategic management of assigned suppliers, inventory performance, and supply chain initiatives. This position focuses on supplier relationships management, cost reduction, inventory optimization, forecasting, risk mitigation, and long-term supply continuity. The Senior Buyer serves as the primary business contact for key suppliers, leads supplier performance reviews, and mentors Buyers on purchasing best practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage strategic relationships with key suppliers and maintain regular business reviews.
2. Develop and execute supplier performance improvement plans focusing on delivery, quality, cost,

and responsiveness.
3. Lead negotiations for pricing, terms, freight agreements, and supply contracts.
4. Analyze root cause of inventory shortages and develop both short-term and long-term corrective

actions plans.
5. Develop and implement back-order reduction strategies.
6. Evaluate supplier capacity, risk, and business continuity concerns.
7. Identify and implement dual sourcing opportunities where appropriate.
8. Review and adjust safety stock levels, purchasing parameters, and inventory strategies to supply

company goals.
9. Monitor supply on-time delivery, quality performance, non-conformance trends, and corrective

actions. 10. Maintain accurate forecasting inputs, usage flags, and inventory planning data. 11. Review and approve purchasing decisions, within established authority levels. 12. Resolve complex supplier issues, escalations, and supply chain disruptions. 13. Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies involving quantity variances, freight charges, and

supply fees. 14. Collaborate with Product Management, Operations, and Sales on new product introductions and

supply chain initiatives. 15. Lead supplier business review and continuous improvement initiatives. 16. Mentor and supply Buyers in supplier management and purchasing best practices. 17. Utilize data analysis and reporting tools to identify opportunities for inventory, cost, and service

improvements. 18. Perform other duties and assigned.

What Success Looks Like A successful Senior Buyer:

1. Develops strong strategic relationships with assigned key suppliers and serves as a trusted business partner.

Waytek, Inc

Senor Buyer

June 2026

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2. Drives measurable improvements in supplier performance, including on-time delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness.

3. Reduces backorders and inventory shortages through proactive planning and root-cause analysis.
4. Successfully negotiates pricing, terms, and supply agreements that improve company profitability

and service levels.
5. Anticipates supply chain risks and implements mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing and

inventory optimization.
6. Uses data and analytics to make informed decisions regarding forecasting, inventory strategy, and

supplier performance.
7. Serves as a resource and mentor for Buyers by sharing knowledge and supporting problem

resolution.
8. Maintains ownership of strategic supplier relationships while driving continuous improvement

initiatives.
9. Contributes meaningfully to company goals related to customer service, fill rate, inventory turns,

and profitability.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred.
2. Minimum 5-7 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or inventory management

experience.
3. Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing.
4. Strong analytical, financial, and inventory management skills.
5. Experience leading supplier performance improvement initiatives.
6. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
7. Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools.
8. Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive business results.
9. Ability to mentor and develop less experienced purchasing team members.

Work Environment

Work is generally confined to a standard office environment.

Physical Demands

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

1. No unusual physical demands are associated with this position.

2. Spends 80% of the time typing while sitting and 20% of the time either standing or walking.
3. Frequently lifts, carries, pulls, or pushes 2 - 6 pounds. Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls, or pushes up

to 20 lbs. 4. Uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 25 lbs. 5. Occasionally stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work

duties.
6. Verbal and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication through automated devices, such

as telephones, radios, etc.

Waytek, Inc

Senor Buyer

June 2026

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7. Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.

8. Visual…