Sr. Buyer in Shelton, Connecticut at Sperry Rail, Inc.

About Sperry:

Sperry Rail is on a mission-critical journey to revolutionize the Rail Flaw Detection industry. Through the continuous development of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and AI-assisted analysis, we are transforming railway safety worldwide. Our global engineering teams work collaboratively to develop step-change technologies that define Sperry as the unparalleled market leader.

For nearly a century, we have repeatedly modernized and improved rail diagnostics through our relentless pursuit of improvement. Determined is an understatement. We are obsessed with advancing science and raising the bar on what’s possible with our ever-improving suite of products and service offerings.

Emboldened through the shared values of honesty, accountability, passion, integrity, and teamwork, we are driven by the challenge and bridging concepts with fruition. Each technologist entering Sperry imprints themselves into our brand and further galvanizes a culture of innovation and advancement. Allow us to be clear, Thought Leaders are welcome!

We are agile and hungry and invite those with similar passions to join us in challenging the status quo and bringing new ideas to the market. Fast-paced, high-touch with a distinct sense of purpose. We offer more than a job; we offer an opportunity to be part of something different.

Position Summary:

The Senior Buyer is responsible for driving delivery reliability, supplier performance, inventory optimization, and strategic procurement initiatives across the business. This role performs complex purchasing assignments that require advanced knowledge of assigned commodities, sourcing strategies, and procurement procedures in a manufacturing environment.

You will lead supplier negotiations, manage supplier relationships, support cost-reduction initiatives, and ensure materials are procured at the most favorable total cost while maintaining quality, delivery, and specification requirements. This position partners cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Planning, Quality, and Finance to support production continuity and continuous improvement initiatives.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead procurement activities for assigned commodities and suppliers to support production schedules and business objectives.
• Review business forecasts, historical usage, and inventory trends to determine optimal order quantities and inventory levels to create and manage purchase orders in Sage X3.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to improve delivery performance, lead times, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and contracts with suppliers.
• Analyze supplier performance using KPIs and scorecards and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Partner with Planning, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure material availability and resolve supply chain constraints.
• Manage supplier escalations, shortages, expedites, and recovery plans to minimize production disruptions.
• Ensure all deliveries satisfy purchase order requirements and communicate material availability, delays, and risk mitigation plans to internal stakeholders.
• Support new product introductions (NPI), engineering changes (ECNs), and supplier transitions.
• Manage accounts payable discrepancies, invoice reconciliation, and supplier payment issues.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement efficiency, inventory optimization, and supply chain performance.

Qualifications – Must Haves:

• Minimum of five (5) to eight (8) years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.

• Ability to be nimble and problem-solve with an entrepreneurial attitude

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, forecasts, and procurement metrics.

• Experience managing supplier performance and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across all organizational levels.

Qualifications - Desirable:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or equivalent applicable certification
• Experience in Excel managing data with advanced formulas and functions;
• Knowledge of inventory management, MRP systems, and supply chain best practices is highly preferred.