Senior Expert Buyer (Pet Food) - Waukesha, WI

Senior Expert Buyer

Waukesha, WI

The Senior Expert Buyer leads cross-functional teams in developing and implementing sourcing strategies and initiatives for assigned categories related to Pet Food. This role will oversee Direct Spend commodities/services as part of the global dsm-firmenich Taste, Texture & Health (TTH) purchasing organization. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with other BG Buyers, Category Managers, Call-off Employees, Planning, Quality, Regulatory, R&D, and Accounts Payable Teams.
• Internal contact with BG Purchasing directors, Business Managers, QA managers, Manufacturing managers, and Category managers.
• External contact with suppliers and across multiple dsm-firmenich sites.
• Develops commodity and supplier strategies to achieve year-over-year cost reduction results through effective collaboration and competition with suppliers.
• Creates project plans, implementation strategies, and execution plans with stakeholders.
• Performs assigned commodity and industry analysis to develop business intelligence on supply markets.
• Negotiates all commercial requirements and followed competitive bidding procedures when necessary to ensure the lowest total cost for specific materials.
• Drafts contracts that formally outline all relevant requirements involving stakeholders and finalize them with the required signatures.
• Resolves problems concerning delivery dates, quality, specifications, quantity, or cost of purchased materials.
• Provides support to established Operating Working Capital (OWC) goals and objectives.
• Cross-train in other commodities to serve as a backup in the function.

We Bring:

• Customer-first approach, working with world-renowned brands to turn ideas into impactful solutions.
• Supportive environment where individuals are empowered to progress and contribute to meaningful change.
• Recognition and celebration of your efforts and accomplishments.
• Opportunity to build a career making a significant impact on billions of lives, with the freedom to shape your own path.
• Dedication to creating better futures for customers, communities, people, and the planet.
• Responsibility and accountability in living company values and driving sustainable solutions.

You Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Commerce/Procurement, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or SCM-related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Sourcing and Purchasing roles in a business-to-business environment.
• Experience in the pet food or related food ingredient industry required.
• Strong relationship management skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
• SAP knowledge is a strong plus, would consider other ERP experience.
• Proficient using MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Travel sometimes up to 20% for supplier visits and quarterly visits to our hub in Tonganoxie, KS.