Lakeland Industries
Senior Buyer
Huntsville, AL - Full Time
The Senior Buyer plays a crucial role in managing procurement operations and implementing cost-effective purchasing strategies. This position involves overseeing the purchasing of goods, services, and materials required by Lakeland Fire & Safety, ensuring quality standards are met and costs are minimized. As a strategic component of the Supply Chain team, the Senior Buyer drives negotiations with suppliers, analyses market trends, and manages relationships with key suppliers, playing a vital role in the operational efficiency and financial success of the company.
Key Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities include the strategic sourcing of materials and services, managing procurement processes, and optimizing costs without compromising on quality. This involves:
Tasks and Duties
The tasks are varied and dynamic, requiring keen attention to detail and a proactive approach:
Education and Certification Requirements
Preferred educational background and certifications:
The Senior Buyer has significant responsibility and influence, requiring an individual who is not only skilled in procurement practices but also adept at strategy development, supplier management, and displays excellent interpersonal influence, while following through with accurate and timely task completion. This role requires both tactical and strategic thinking, underpinned by a commitment to continually optimizing purchasing processes.
Key Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities include the strategic sourcing of materials and services, managing procurement processes, and optimizing costs without compromising on quality. This involves:
- Developing and executing procurement strategies that align with company goals.
- Negotiating contracts and terms with suppliers to secure advantageous terms.
- Analyzing cost and communicating expectations for quality and cost.
- Ensuring timely delivery of materials and services from vendors.
- Conducting market research to stay updated on industry trends and new suppliers.
- Maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions and maintain supplier relationships.
- Managing inventory levels to optimize stock turnover and reduce holding costs.
Tasks and Duties
The tasks are varied and dynamic, requiring keen attention to detail and a proactive approach:
- Reviewing and processing requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
- Organized and accurate maintenance of records for goods/services ordered.
- Control spending and promote a culture of long-term saving on procurement costs.
- Liaising with other departments, such as Finance and Warehouse management, to ensure inventory maintenance and budget adherence; Product Development, Engineering, Quality, and Product Management, to support new product initiatives, compliant onboarding of potential suppliers, accurate management of current suppliers, ensure product specifications are met, and resolve any supply issues.
- Identify potential suppliers, visit existing suppliers, and build and maintain good relationships with them.
- Evaluating suppliers' performance based on price, quality, and lead time.
- Prepare reports and updates as and when needed.
Education and Certification Requirements
Preferred educational background and certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field.
- Additional certification, such as Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), is highly desirable.
- Proven 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing procurement or supply chain management role, with at least 2+ years in a senior position handling strategic sourcing, with a proven track record of successful negotiations and supplier management.
- Strong ERP knowledge, specifically Sage x3 and SAP 4 Hana.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and strong analytical skills.
The Senior Buyer has significant responsibility and influence, requiring an individual who is not only skilled in procurement practices but also adept at strategy development, supplier management, and displays excellent interpersonal influence, while following through with accurate and timely task completion. This role requires both tactical and strategic thinking, underpinned by a commitment to continually optimizing purchasing processes.
