Buyer - Subcontracting

The Buyer – Subcontracting is responsible for overseeing subcontracting procurement activities across assigned commodities, ensuring optimal sourcing, cost control, and inventory alignment to support business objectives. This role requires strong cross‑functional collaboration with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to ensure timely and cost‑effective subcontractor engagement. The position involves proactive decision‑making, strategic cost analysis, and continuous process improvement within the supply chain function.

Location: Based out of Roanoke, VA OR Louisville, KY

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a school/employment or any other visa, regardless of expiration date, now or in the future.

• Serve as the primary liaison for suppliers and subcontractors related to assigned commodities, ensuring consistent performance and compliance with company standards.
• Initiate and manage subcontracting orders, RFQs, and purchase orders, leveraging data to ensure efficient procurement aligned with demand planning and operational goals.
• Maintain accurate subcontracting cost records in the ERP system, including tracking of lot charges and integration of updated component weight data.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and finance teams to ensure accurate costing and process visibility throughout the subcontracting lifecycle.
• Evaluate sourcing strategies to identify when parts should transition from subcontracted services to direct purchasing based on cost‑benefit analysis.
• Monitor and address unconfirmed and past‑due purchase orders, ensuring minimal disruptions to production schedules or delivery timelines.
• Oversee inventory transfers between locations and manage supplier delivery schedules to meet internal requirements.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve issues related to orders, invoices, product quality, and delivery discrepancies.
• Coordinate with vendors to adjust shipment timing or quantities based on shifting business priorities and customer requirements.
• Leverage market insights, pricing trends, and cost data to optimize purchasing strategies and inform negotiation tactics.
• Build and maintain relationships with alternate suppliers to enhance flexibility and mitigate risk.
• Participate in cross‑functional discussions with sales, demand planning, and supply chain teams to align subcontracting activities with customer expectations.
• Lead or contribute to initiatives that enhance purchasing efficiency, cost tracking accuracy, and overall supply chain effectiveness.
• Support knowledge sharing and continuity across the team; provide cross‑coverage support during absences or high‑demand periods.
• Perform other duties as required to support departmental objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, operations, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement, subcontracting, or supply chain management.
• Strong understanding of purchasing principles, cost management, and subcontractor coordination.
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, for cost tracking and data analysis.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and decision‑making skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions and communicate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience identifying and implementing process enhancements.
• A proactive, customer‑focused approach with a high degree of accountability and ownership.
• Maternity/Paternal leave after 1 year of service.
• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after 1 year of service.
• Health benefits and programs – medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more.
• Additional benefits – 401(k), short term disability, long term disability.
• Paid Time Off, accrued per pay period,…