Buyer

Job Description:

Join Our Team as a Buyer – Be a Key Player in Driving Supply Chain Excellence!

Are you a supply chain professional with a passion for sourcing, supplier relationships, and continuous improvement? Step into the role of Buyer—a dynamic position where you'll thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving manufacturing environment. In this role, you'll partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and suppliers to support critical supply chain initiatives for the Precision Welding Solutions Division. From managing day-to-day purchasing activities and supplier performance to supporting strategic sourcing initiatives, you'll play an important role in ensuring material availability, cost competitiveness, and operational success. If you enjoy collaborating across functions to solve supply chain challenges and bring new products to market, this is the opportunity for you. You'll contribute to new product development sourcing activities while helping ensure supply continuity, successful product launches, and continuous improvement across the supply chain.

What You’ll Do:

• Own activities related to procurement, storage, and shipment of materials
• Champion cost, quality, delivery, productivity, and simplification initiatives
• Document and celebrate all cost savings and avoidances
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with key vendors (not just transactional!)
• Take the lead on vendor negotiations; price, delivery, and quality compliance
• Build and manage a robust supplier base
• Conduct impactful supplier visits, evaluations, and quality audits
• Manage material price variance, boost inventory turns, and lead cost-reduction programs
• Align supplier schedules with real-time material requirements (MRD adjustments)
• Hit MOH targets and keep "non-active" inventory under control
• Manage raw materials during exciting new product transitions/developments
• Collaborate daily with operations, product, and engineering teams
• Resolve day-to-day supply chain issues and escalate critical concerns to the Materials Manager when necessary.
• Coordinate closely with Engineering on ECO implementation, deviations, end-of-life management, new product introductions, and supplier transitions.
• Set up and onboard new suppliers, establish purchase agreements, and support supplier training related to planning and replenishment requirements.
• Utilize total cost of ownership (TCO) principles when evaluating sourcing decisions and supplier performance.

What You Bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in operations, Supply Chain, or Business Management
• At least 3 years of experience in a similar role
• Strong working knowledge of supplier management, material planning, inventory control, sourcing, and procurement best practices.
• Experience managing supplier performance related to quality, delivery, cost, and service
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills with the ability to navigate competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships across suppliers and cross-functional teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of MRP/MRD systems, forecasting, demand planning, and inventory replenishment processes
• Effective negotiation, communication, presentation, and facilitation skills
• A self-starter attitude: conscientious, enthusiastic, and always positive
• Strong prioritization and analytical thinking skills
• A team-first mindset, you build, embrace, and promote collaboration
• Strong computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office
• Occasional travel to suppliers and business locations as needed.

Company Description

Comprised of a market-leading portfolio of best-in-class brands, the businesses of ITW Welding work together to provide premium performance delivered through a breadth of solutions encompassing welding, cutting, consumables, and accessories.  ITW Welding North America represents Miller Electric Welding Equipment, Safety & Accessories, Hobart Filler Metals, and Bernard / Tregaskiss MIG Guns.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW). The company maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality and responsiveness. Our tagline, “The Power of Blue®,” is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

The company began with an innovation that responded to customer needs, growing from a one-man operation in 1929, to the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding products. Miller keeps the tradition alive by focusing on its top priority: people.

Additional Information

ITW Welding is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why ITW Welding?

Here’s what we offer to help you build the future you want:

• Generous Retirement Benefits – 401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution to help you plan for the future.
• Paid Time Off – 11 paid holidays, 5 sick days, and vacation time to take time for what matters.
• Company-Paid Insurance – Life, AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance to give you peace of mind.
• Family-Friendly Benefits – 4 weeks of paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement to support your family journey.
• Education Assistance – tuition reimbursement because we believe in investing in your personal and professional development.

At ITW Welding, we’re not just a place to work – we’re a community that empowers you to grow and make a real impact. Join us and build a career that makes a difference!

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. 

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.