The Strategic Commodity Buyer is a senior procurement professional responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for assigned commodities. This role focuses on optimizing total cost of ownership, ensuring supply continuity, and driving supplier performance through strategic partnerships and data-driven decision-making.

This position requires deep expertise in market analysis, supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration. The Strategic Commodity Buyer works closely with internal stakeholders and key suppliers to align sourcing strategies with business objectives while mitigating risk and improving operational efficiency.

This position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) and not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship.

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute commodity strategies aligned with business goals, focusing on cost, quality, delivery, and risk mitigation.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives including RFQs, RFPs, and supplier negotiations for assigned categories.
• Establish and manage long-term supplier relationships, including performance reviews, scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct market analysis to monitor pricing trends, capacity constraints, and geopolitical risks impacting supply.
• Negotiate and manage contracts and agreements, including pricing structures, lead times, and service levels.
• Identify and implement cost savings, cost avoidance, and value engineering opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineering, planning, production, and quality teams to support new product introductions (NPI) and design-for-cost initiatives.
• Develop and maintain dual sourcing strategies and contingency plans to ensure supply continuity.
• Analyze spend data and supplier performance to drive data-driven decision making and strategic improvements.
• Provide guidance to buyers and procurement staff on sourcing strategies and supplier management.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contracts, and relevant regulations.
• Demonstrates Ascentec core values: Customer Focus, Employee Growth, Trust and Integrity, Operational Excellence, Acts like an owner.
• Must understand and ensure adherence to regulatory and internal documentation standards (e.g., ISO, ITAR).
• On-site presence is required. Remote or hybrid work options are not offered.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Education/Certifications:

• 4-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field. 5 years' experience in same industry with elevated responsibilities and degree of difficulty is acceptable in lieu of 4-year degree.

Experience:

• At least 7–10 years of relevant experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management
• At least 5+ years of experience managing commodity strategies, supplier negotiations, and long-term agreements

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, category management, and supply chain optimization
• Advanced negotiation skills with experience in complex, high-value contracts
• Experience with cost modeling, should-cost analysis, and total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Knowledge of global sourcing, including incoterms, tariffs, and trade compliance considerations
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and translate insights into strategy
• Strong communication and influencing skills across all levels of the organization
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office suite (especially Excel)
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive alignment across teams
• Proactive, strategic thinker with strong problem-solving capabilities

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Functional and Technical Skills
• Project Management Skills
• LEAN/Six Sigma Methodology Training
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Concise & Clear Communication
• Self-Motivated
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Customer Focus
• Flexible with Ambiguity
• Action Oriented
• Knows how to prioritize work

Working Conditions:

Working Environment:

• Primarily office-based, with occasional visits to suppliers, manufacturing sites, or warehouses as required
• Working hours may extend based on business need

Mental/Physical Demands:

• Continuous sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate office equipment and keyboards
• Occasional lifting or carrying of light materials (e.g., product samples or documents) weighing up to 10–15 pounds
• Visual acuity for reading documents, computer screens, and product specification

Compensation/ Benefits:

• Compensation DOE
• Dental and Medical w/vision coverage insurance plans offered
• STD/LTD & Life insurance plans offered
• FSA and DCA available
• PTO and Holiday pay
• Immediate 100% vesting Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement saving plan with matching contributions
• Educational aid program available
• Purchase discounts, membership discounts, and many other incentives

Other Requirements:

Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Ascentec Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Ascentec Engineering is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.