Category Buyer III

This position provides supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value.

What You Will Do:
• Developing, managing and executing the category strategy managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.
• Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.
• Acting as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering production demands and suppliers' conditions.
• Documenting the suppliers' performance on time sensitiveness and production; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers.

Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree. 5 years of work experience in purchasing or supply chain

What You Will Have:
Data Analytics (Extensive Experience)

• Advises on integrating financial, performance, and operational data to support business decisions.

• Anticipates data collection challenges and evaluates analysis methods for performance insights.

• Identifies trends and interprets risks and opportunities in predictive modeling.

• Leads data collection implementation and mentors others on new data sources.

Effective Communication (Extensive Experience)

• Coaches others on writing and presenting with audience-specific adaptations.

• Communicates clearly across all levels, balancing empathy and assertiveness.

• Uses persuasive techniques to gain alignment and maintain topic focus.

• Provides constructive feedback to improve communication outcomes.

Interpersonal Relationships (Working Knowledge)

• Collaborates effectively with peers and management, adapting style to context.

• Demonstrates understanding of diverse perspectives and group dynamics.

• Clarifies roles and responsibilities to support team alignment.

• Explains the impact of interpersonal interactions on outcomes.

Negotiation (Extensive Experience)

• Leads complex negotiations with internal and external stakeholders.

• Balances organizational interests with collaborative, win-win outcomes.

• Identifies and resolves negotiation barriers and stalemates.

• Assesses risks and influences discussions through strategic positioning.

Contracts Management & Administration (Working Knowledge)

• Administers departmental contracts and ensures compliance with protocols.

• Reviews contracts for accuracy and regulatory alignment.

• Explains pre-signature requirements and supports vendor documentation.

• Implements contract management procedures and maintains records.

Purchasing & Procurement (Working Knowledge)

• Executes purchasing tasks using procurement systems and tools.

• Ensures compliance with regulations and contract specifications.

• Documents procurement activities including orders and bids.

• Follows established steps in the procurement process.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) (Extensive Experience)

• Advises on SRM practices and builds consensus with supplier networks.

• Coaches teams on supplier selection, evaluation, and engagement.

• Conducts reviews of supplier performance and relationship success.

• Refines processes to strengthen supplier partnerships and financial impact.

Strategic Sourcing (Working Knowledge)

• Supports sourcing through data analysis, market research, and budget review.

• Identifies process improvements and follows sourcing standards.

• Assists senior professionals in multi-environment sourcing activities.

• Participates in continuous enhancement of sourcing strategies.

Top Candidates Will Also Have:

• Lognet & Buyer Experience: Hands-on experience with Lognet and previous roles in purchasing, supporting end-to-end procurement operations.

• Procurement & Vendor Management: Skilled in managing supplier relationships, executing purchase orders, and driving cost control and compliance.

• Strategic Sourcing & Analytics: Proficient in spend analysis and forecasting using Power BI, Excel, and Python to inform sourcing strategies.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Aligns sourcing initiatives with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to support product and process improvements.

Additional Details:

Location: Mossville or Morton, IL
Work Arrangement: On-site, 5 days per week
Relocation Assistance: Not available
Sponsorship: Not available
Travel Requirement: Less than 10%