Procurement Buyer

Job Description:

ITW (Illinois Tool Works Inc.)  is a Fortune 200 company and is one of the world’s leading diversified manufacturers of specialized industrial equipment, automotive components, consumables, and related service businesses. ITW businesses serve local customers and markets around the globe, with operations in 55 countries and an employee base of more than 46,000 women and men who adhere to the highest ethical standards.

These talented individuals, many of whom have specialized engineering or scientific expertise, contribute to our global leadership in innovation. We are proud of our broad portfolio of more than 17,000 granted and pending patents.

ITW Shakeproof is a leading manufacturer of innovative fastening solutions serving automotive and industrial OEMs and their tier suppliers. With approximately $200 million in annual revenue, we design and manufacture a broad range of products, including screws, pins, washers, stampings, and fastening systems that improve the safety, quality, productivity, and performance of our customers' products.

Our manufacturing and warehouse operations are located throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, including facilities in Machesney Park, Watertown, Elgin, Broadview, and Milwaukee.

The qualified Buyer will be a collaborative professional with a strong ability to build relationships, forecast demand, create and analyze reports, negotiate pricing, establish supplier agreements, and manage supply and inventory processes.

ITW offers a strong culture built on integrity, trust, and collaboration. This position provides the opportunity to work cross-functionally with multiple departments and levels of the organization while contributing to the success of the Shakeproof business.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Daily management and execution of full PO cycle: issuing POs, pulling in and pushing out POs in a timely manner, expediting past due POs, and following through with vendors to ensure POs due within two weeks arrive on time.

Communicate regularly with suppliers to discuss pricing and delivery schedules.

Work with internal stakeholders, including Production, Engineering and Plant Managers to ensure material is on time to meet production schedules.

Monitor inventory levels to prevent overstocking and stockouts, optimizing stock flow.

Maintain item information and ERP system parameters to maintain data integrity, allowing the continued use of the ERP system as the primary tool for the procurement process.

Resolve discrepancies related to received quantities, pricing, and vendor invoices.

Prepare and issue RFQs for goods and services and partner with the Analyst to evaluate quotations.

Establish and maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure smooth collaboration.

Monitor supplier performance and promptly address any issues or concerns. Prepare and maintain monthly supplier on-time delivery performance reports.

Routinely review market conditions associated with importing/exporting costs, scrap costs, steel costs, surcharges and shipping costs.

Identify and recommend potential new suppliers, alternative materials, and cost-saving opportunities through market research, trade publications, supplier catalogs, and other industry resources.

Other duties as assigned by Procurement Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5-7 years of direct procurement experience.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Highly analytical with demonstrated problem-solving and prioritization skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Self-starter with a team-oriented approach and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound business decisions based on established metrics.