Sr. Buyer, Wellness Products

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Hybrid - Kohler, WI

Opportunity

This position leads strategic sourcing initiatives to support new product development projects, supplier conversion/consolidation and other cost-reduction opportunities. Responsible for identifying, evaluating, and engaging with potential suppliers to maximize quality and innovation while minimizing costs and ensuring efficiency and continuity of supply. Supports the NPD process by reviewing project proposals to provide estimates of the cost, schedule and activity requirements. Assists in developing project scope specific to strategic sourcing activity to include timelines, resource requirements, costs estimates and postmortem evaluation.

More about the Wellness Products business

The newly created Wellness Products business has been charged with becoming the premier Mind & Body Wellness provider for at home and professional spa sanctuaries. The objective of this business is to not only grow an already wellness-centric product portfolio, but also create a clearly differentiated go to market strategy with a tailored angle to captivate the target audience with unforgettable showroom and digital destinations. Applicants must be passionate about wellness and having expertise in the ever-growing market is a plus! Given the start-up nature of this business, applicants must possess a bias for action, an ability to continually assess with openness to pivoting as the market dynamic changes and must be team-oriented with a willingness to dive in and support with whatever is needed. Prior start up experience is preferred.

Specific Responsibilities

• Lead the identification and selection of potential sources for purchased components for new products while ensuring alignment to the strategic supply base. This includes understanding of the potential supply base, RFQ development and submittal, supplier negotiations and development in establishing an effective supplier relationship in support of on-going new product development and integration.

• Analyze procurement costs and suggest opportunities to decrease total landed costs while maintaining quality standards and supplier diversity. Report project costs in comparison to budget and project white papers.

• Negotiate with suppliers to secure advantageous terms and ensure feasibility of contracts.

• Interface with Supplier Quality to facilitate newly purchased component PPAP approval.

• Coordinate support from manufacturing plant resources to ensure schedule dates and requirements are understood and in accordance with resource planning.

• Manage sourcing activities throughout the project lifecycle while proactively communicating project risks, issues and schedule changes to project stakeholders.

• Promote self-development using all available resources (i.e. training programs, seminars, sharing of best practices, and self-study).

Skills/Requirements

Required Competencies

Business/Technical

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

• Awareness of business law and ability to draft boilerplate Terms & Conditions to meet business needs. Execute commercial transactions independently.

• Knowledge of Customer Function/Business and ability to proactively anticipate stakeholder needs. Skilled in developing collaborative relationships with customers.

• Ability to negotiate simple acquisition contracts for parts or finished goods. Experienced in negotiating/managing point-to-point purchase agreements. Ability to relate company level strategy to current position.

• Working knowledge of the inter-relationships between key financial statements, with the ability to interpret analysis and build generic supplier cost models. Ability to apply statistical tools and calculate Total Cost of Ownership on monetary values. General accounting & cash flow awareness. Working knowledge/usability of all common Office software applications.

• Skilled in developing & managing contingency plans, risk factors, interdependencies. Unaided assistance in capture/creation of project scope and ability to marshal adequate project resources. Capable of managing/leading multi-location projects.

• Highly proficient in all common MS Office applications. Functional knowledge of ERP systems, preferably SAP.

• Expanded Domestic awareness of culture, currency, geography, political issues and affecting international sources of supply. Knowledge of freight forwarding/customs clearance processes and procedures.

Interpersonal

• Demonstrated professionalism in communicating both written and orally.

• Proven ability to influence and lead positive change.

• Build trust and facilitate relationships that result in effective partnerships with stakeholders

• Highly driven to follow through on commitments.

Managerial

• Capable of leading multi-location projects.

• Ability to anticipate and marshal adequate project resources.

• Accurately document performance to assist in professional development and performance management.

• Ability to establish criteria/work procedures to achieve a high level of quality and productivity.

Education And Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business or Engineering

• Minimum of four to six years of professional experience.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The salary range for this position is $76,050 - $96,050. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

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.