Senior Buyer

Job Description:

14000 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344, USA

Full-time

Smart people.

Smart ideas.

Smart choice.

A thriving environment for learning, innovation and growth.

Why do so many people join MTS Systems Corporation and stay for a career? Because this is a place where you get to apply your creativity, work with smart people on fascinating projects, and make a positive impact on people's lives. It is a place where you can learn, innovate and grow professionally.

Transforming what's possible with cars, aircraft, bridges, wind turbines and space-age materials - this is work we dream about as kids. At MTS, it's a rewarding career path for talented individuals who are willing to work hard, think hard, and commit to solving complex and critical challenges for our customers around the world, many of whom are leaders in their respective industries.

By joining MTS, you'll have access to the latest tools and technologies, along with the support of colleagues who are passionate about their work. You'll discover a dynamic culture of continuous improvement that extends to our people, one that offers numerous ways to expand your knowledge and advance your career. And because we are a global company, your work may also include world travel.

Primary Objective

To act as an authorized agent of the company by making purchase commitments that meet Company requirements at the best value while managing supplier performance.

Major Areas of Accountability

• Collaborate with Category Sourcing Managers (CSMs) to support the development and execution of category strategies for assigned commodities and services. Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) by providing deep market knowledge, supplier intelligence, cost drivers, and execution insights.
• Identify, quantify, and drive sustainable cost savings initiatives across the procure-to-pay lifecycle, including should-cost analysis, demand management, specification optimization, and supplier-driven improvements. Own savings tracking, documentation, and validation.
• Apply advanced data analytics and MRP analysis to optimize inventory levels, ordering strategies, and service performance. Interpret trends, assess risks, and recommend data-driven actions aligned with operational and financial objectives.
• Execute and manage complex purchasing activities including blanket orders, schedule line agreements, customer supplied material, long-term supply agreements, and high-value or high-risk transactions. Ensure requirements, pricing, terms, and expectations are clearly documented and proactively manage exceptions through expediting, rescheduling, or cancellation.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, providing guidance on sourcing processes, supplier capabilities, pricing dynamics, and total cost considerations. Anticipate customer needs and mitigate issues by aligning purchasing actions with business priorities.
• Support and administer competitive sourcing events (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs) in partnership with CSMs. Evaluate supplier proposals for price, total cost, risk, performance, and value, and support supplier selection and onboarding activities.
• Own and maintain purchasing-related master data and system settings within the ERP (Info Records, Material Masters, Routes, MRP parameters, etc.). Ensure data accuracy, define standards, resolve invoice and receiving discrepancies, and support system-driven process improvements.
• Support negotiations with suppliers by developing fact-based analyses and recommendations related to pricing, cost structures, terms and conditions, and technical requirements. Manage and administer contractual agreements to ensure compliance and value realization.
• Manage day-to-day supplier performance issues, including quality concerns, delivery performance, and supplier-requested schedule changes. Ensure ERP accuracy and support or facilitate supplier performance and corrective action reviews.
• Provide feedback and insights to Category Sourcing Managers on supplier performance, market conditions, pricing trends, and operational risks. Contribute to future sourcing strategies and initiatives aimed at reducing total cost and improving supply performance.
• Develop and apply deep technical and commercial knowledge of assigned products and services to add value in purchasing decisions, problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Consult and partner with stakeholders to understand business needs and planned purchases, assisting in identifying appropriate suppliers and sourcing approaches. Serve as an internal advisor, influencing decision-makers and budget holders through data, expertise, and credibility. (Senior-level accountability)
• Drive continuous improvement within purchasing operations, acting as a process specialist or owner for assigned areas. Identify opportunities to improve workflows, data quality, supplier performance, and system utilization. Mentor and support less experienced buyers.
• Perform other strategic or cross-functional accountabilities as assigned,…