Sr. Buyer, Transformative Innovation

Sr. Buyer, Transformative Innovation

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Hybrid – Kohler, WI 

Opportunity

Are you ready to take the next step in your purchasing/supply chain career with an elite privately held company?  We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Purchasing Lead to support our New Product Development Transformative Innovation Program.

In this role, you will own the supplier selection decisions, manage and develop key supplier relationships, drive request for quotation (RFQs) and support new product introductions from a supply chain perspective. You will build and leverage strong working relationships with cross-functional partners in engineering and work together with our suppliers to ensure cost, quality and delivery targets are met to achieve the optimal balance of quality and cost.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with established suppliers, while identifying new suppliers as needed to support Kohler’s business and technical requirements.
• Own RFQs (Request for Quote) and lead supplier selection decisions based on capability, quality, and cost.
• Assess supplier capabilities and capacity to support Kohler’s projected volume demands and their ability to scale for growth.
• Be the project manager for the suppliers and hold them accountable for delivery.
• Build and develop cost and investment models to support key decision-making.
• Drive cost negotiations with suppliers to ensure Kohler receives the best possible pricing.
• Support, and in some cases, take ownership of creating a plan for every part document to support prototyping and build events, ensuring all Bill of Materials are accounted for.
• Build and maintain relationships with cross-functional teams and influence timely decisions with key stakeholders to support our mission.
• Own contract management—ensure Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), General Terms & Conditions (GTC), Piece Price Agreements (PPAs), and other related contracts are negotiated, agreed upon, and appropriately documented before business is initiated.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering, or evidence of exceptional ability.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing and/or supply chain management.
• Experience with new product development processes, including taking products from concept to market.
• Proficient knowledge of technical requirements, product design (DFM & DFA), and common tooling methods (injection molding, casting, PCB production, etc.)
• Experience negotiating with suppliers, hosting regular touchpoint meetings, and holding a supplier accountable for delivery.
• Experience working with global suppliers.
• Experience with SAP system a plus
• Willingness for 10-20% travel. 

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Why Choose Kohler?
We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us
It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com.  Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.