Strategic Commodity Buyer
Sparrow Company
- La Fayette, GA, United States
I. SUMMARY OF THE FUNCTION
Under the responsibility of the Sourcing Manager, the main function of the strategic commodity buyer is to support strategic sourcing projects, assist with the sourcing of new parts, identify cost savings opportunities and assist with resolving supplier capacity or supply issues. This position will support multiple manufacturing sites, as well as aftermarket sales, and will align to electrical and hydraulic commodities. He or she ensures the consistency of purchases made with production requirements and prescribed inventory levels. He or she manages the purchases of assigned commodities based on quality, lead time, total cost of acquisition, and service level. He or she will have to insure, on a monthly basis, the sourcing of the new parts related to their commodities.
II. RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manages purchasing activities to align with production targets and ensures a steady supply of components through the MPR system.
- Communicates to suppliers purchase requirements, purchase order changes, delivery, cost, and quality requirements and order prioritization.
- Analyzes shortages and takes action to resolve, including proposing alternative plans if necessary.
- Communicates shortages that could cause delays with customer service, manufacturing team, production schedulers, logistics and other key personnel.
- Analyzes data to identify potential projects to meet Sourcing targets
- Identify, negotiate, and recommend sourcing of new components, materials, parts or assemblies, as well as, manage price and contract terms and conditions over their lifecycle in conjunction with the Sourcing Manager.
- Reviews technical requirements for new parts and develops, issues and tracks RFQ through to PO issue and delivery, including vendor communications regarding part specifications, tolerances, raw material specifications, quality attributes, etc.
- Acts as liaison with engineering and works closely with the Sourcing Manager to address supplier questions related to specifications, part manufacturability, feasibility.
- Examines, selects, orders, and purchases at the most favorable price consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements and other factors. Understands BOM cost and capable of should-cost analysis.
- Conducts in-depth supplier pricing analysis to ensure competitive pricing is being achieved for cost savings targets.
- Manages suppliers to reduce costs, improve quality, control inventories, and ensure timely flow of material for no disruption of production.
- Monitors and reports key performance metrics, including purchase price variance, inventories, shortages, and supplier performance.
- Manages non-conformities with the quality department and suppliers; monitors supplier performance, corrective actions and credit monitoring, if applicable.
- Any other related tasks
III. REQUIRED PROFILE
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
- Degree in Supply Chain or Engineering, preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of procuring manufactured parts to engineered specifications.
- Good understanding of part specifications and design, bill of material (BOM), raw materials, manufacturing processes, equipment, and capabilities
- Ability to read and interpret technical documents such as drawings, material specifications, bill of materials, manufacturing processes, quality requirements, government regulations, and technical procedures.
- A technical background is required. Able to understand technical part specification and match supplier capabilities to part requirements.
- Experience with electrical and/or mechanical parts, preferred.
KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Knowledge of MRP system and procurement processes
- Knowledge of market index in USA for different commodity
- Supplier Quality processes such as APQP/PPAP
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Management of priorities and sense of urgency
- Rigorous and organized
- Team spirit
- Analytical mind
Posted On: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Compensation: $75K-90K