Senior Buyer

Job Description: Senior Buyer

Company: Malco Group

Department: Purchasing

Reports To: Purchasing Supervisor

Location: Annandale, MN (Hybrid Eligible)

Position Overview:

The Malco Group is seeking a Senior Buyer to lead the sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of materials, components, and services required for uninterrupted production, with full ownership of our international supplier base. This role manages strategic supplier relationships, drives cost reduction and inventory optimization, ensures quality and on-time delivery across domestic and global supply chains, and partners with operations, engineering, and quality to support production goals and continuous improvement. The Senior Buyer also serves as a resource and mentor to other members of the Purchasing team.

Essential Duties:

· Own the international supplier portfolio end-to-end, including sourcing, qualification and onboarding, pricing and contract negotiations, performance management, and long-term relationship development.

· Manage international purchasing logistics in partnership with freight forwarders and customs brokers, including Incoterms, shipping documentation, HTS classification, duties and tariffs, and country-of-origin requirements.

· Plan for extended international lead times, ocean and air transit, and port or customs delays, balancing total landed cost against inventory and production needs.

· Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and RFQs to identify cost-reduction opportunities, develop alternate and dual sources, and mitigate supply risk (tariff, currency, geopolitical, and capacity).

· Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and long-term agreements with key domestic and international suppliers.

· Issue and manage Purchase Orders through our ERP system, including release schedules, lead-time management and expediting to meet production plans.

· Maintain inventory levels by collaborating with Planning on reorder points, safety stock and inventory optimization.

· Monitor and evaluate supplier performance on quality, delivery, cost and responsiveness; conduct supplier scorecards and business reviews and drive corrective actions.

· Address supply chain delays, monitor forecasts/trends, evaluate suppliers (price, quality, availability, reliability), and resolve 3-way match invoice discrepancies.

· Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Engineering, and suppliers on material issues and non-conforming products (via Material Review Board), facilitating meetings and managing rework/returns.

· Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Accounting, Receiving, Engineering, QA, Tool and Die, Returns, Customer Service, Shipping, Operations).

· Lead and participate in weekly department meetings to resolve discrepancies and ensure smooth operations.

· Maintain accurate price lists, purchase orders, and revisions (via DCFs and ECRs), preparing reports on past-due orders, back-orders, and supplier delivery plans to meet performance goals.

· Mentor and train Buyers, serve as the escalation point for complex purchasing issues, and help develop purchasing procedures and best practices.

Education/Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Minimum of 5+ years’ purchasing and planning experience in a manufacturing environment, including at least 2 years managing international suppliers.

· Working knowledge of import regulations, Incoterms, customs processes, and landed cost analysis.

· Advanced knowledge of ERP systems (Oracle recommended) for planning, purchase order processing, and sales order conversion.

· Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel for analysis and reporting.

· ASCM/APICS (CPIM, CSCP) or ISM (CPSM) certification a plus.

Preferred Attributes:

· Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects.

· Self-motivated and collaborative, with the ability to lead and influence without direct authority.

· Strong negotiation skills with a track record of delivering cost savings.

· Strong problem-solving skills with root cause analysis capability.

· Advanced communication skills (written, verbal, phone, in-person) for effective collaboration with internal teams and suppliers across cultures, languages, and time zones.

· Flexibility to accommodate supplier calls outside normal business hours and willingness to travel occasionally, including internationally, for supplier visits and audits.

· Operational awareness of production rates and part usage, with ability to multitask and adapt to shifting priorities.

Benefits and Perks:

The Malco Group recognizes the importance of offering comprehensive benefits and perks to its employees, including:

· 401k with company matching.

· Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

· Company paid life insurance and paid short-term disability.

· Paid time off