Senior Purchasing Specialist at Stellar Industries Inc – Garner, Iowa

Summary: The Senior Purchasing Specialist is responsible for procuring goods and services to support operational needs while ensuring timely delivery, cost efficiency, and adherence to quality standards. This role includes supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, and inventory alignment with production requirements. Operating with a high level of independence, the Senior Purchasing Specialist collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, and Production Control to maintain an efficient and reliable supply chain.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently initiates and manages purchase orders for materials and services.

• Coordinates with Design and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure timely sourcing execution.

• Secures and evaluates supplier quotations and negotiates pricing and terms.

• Monitors supplier performance and addresses quality, delivery, and service issues.

• Conducts supplier visits to qualify sources and support continuous improvement.

• Participates in projects and process improvement initiatives.

• Executes cost saving strategies to meet annual targets.

• Identifies and mitigates supply chain risks to ensure continuity of supply.

• Completes special projects and other assigned duties.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. This position also operates in our manufacturing facilities and is required to follow our safety policies.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain or related field preferred

• 5-8+ years of progressive related experience preferred.

Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication.

• Advanced analytical, planning, and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong negotiating skills.

• Proficiency with advanced inventory planning tools.

• Skilled in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

• Effective time management skills.

• Strong team collaboration and cross-functional leadership.

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently.

• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and issue-resolution skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Continuing company sponsored education may be required (including APICS certification and/or Six Sigma)

• Travel is primarily local during the business day, although occasional out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Office & Administration, Purchasing