Strategic Buyer - American Greetings

Westlake, OH

Job Description

As this is a hybrid position working out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, we will focus on candidates currently residing in Northeast Ohio.

GENERAL SUMMARY:
The buyer is responsible for managing all aspects of the category/commodity, from strategy to execution. This includes establishing and maintaining a category strategy for sourcing and procuring materials to support multiple manufacturing facilities. The buyer will work with key partners to source new materials, solicit competitive proposals, negotiate with potential suppliers (including contracts), and present recommended suppliers to Sourcing Management for selection. They will also collaborate with various departments to establish replenishment strategies that meet the company’s goals and objectives.

In this role you will also manage established materials and suppliers, continually updating strategies, and working with key internal and external partners to develop cost reduction opportunities. They will also be responsible for the continuous improvement of tools and analytics to manage daily execution and supply strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Interfaces with various departments on projects/programs including Creative, Product Management, Fulfillment, Manufacturing, Legal, Risk Management. Help establish specifications for products and services and support requirements, within assigned category/commodity, services.
• Prepare and negotiate RFP’s.
• Sources new suppliers for key categories/commodities, evaluating and analyzing their capabilities to fulfill American Greetings needs for products and services. Providing innovation, competitive pricing, and quality.
• Ensure ongoing supplier development, to improve supply chain performance.
• Responsible for resolving quality issues with suppliers on products/services received.
• Identifies, evaluates and implements cost reduction strategies within the supply chain process.
• Responsible for drafting service and supply agreements. Reviews these agreements with Legal and management.
• Responsible for training, instructing and supervising.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with business objectives.
• Conduct market research and analyze industry trends to identify cost savings opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with business needs and priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.
• Prepare and present procurement reports and analytics to senior management.
• Responsible for working with internal and external partners to ensure daily execution to support manufacturing facilities.
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor/manager.

Experience Required:

Required Length & Type of Experience:
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience within procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management
• Experience in sourcing and procurement within the graphic printing sector is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Ability to analyze and interpret business results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong PC skills, including excellent knowledge of the complete Microsoft suite, to manage category strategy from RFP execution through analysis, recommendation presentation, and vendor feedback.
• Demonstrate advanced Excel proficiency, including pivot tables, Power Query, and Power Pivot.
• Preferred experience with Power BI.
• Demonstrated decision-making abilities and a superior ability to integrate information and utilize independent, sound judgment.
• Must have significant project management skills and understanding.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to establish & build productive relationships, both internal and external.
• Proficient in purchasing processes and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills including verbal and written.