What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Buyer position at IMI Precision Engineering?
IMI plc
We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world – creating lasting impact for everyone.
We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science and Fluid Control, and Transport.
Our partnership approach breaks through problems and reduces complexity. We don’t invent in isolation – we collaborate with our customers. We listen closely and we think differently, creating space for diverse minds to innovate. We are working together to make businesses safer, more sustainable and more productive.
Role Overview:
As a Strategic Buyer, you will oversee the implementation and execution of the purchasing strategy to deliver parts that meet pre-defined quality, cost and lead time criteria. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation abilities and a thorough understanding of international markets and supply chain dynamics.
Work Environment: This role is based on-site at our Palmer, MA facility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Purchasing strategy: Analyze and understand internal needs, conduct market research and deeply know the company and Group constraints and targets, and the supplier base. Define and deploy the purchasing strategy for the commodities for which he will be responsible.
- Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services. Address and resolve any issues or disputes with suppliers in a timely manner.
- Negotiation: Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions, including pricing, payment terms, quality standards, and delivery schedules.
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams: Work closely internal and external stakeholders to understand company requirements and timelines. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment between operations and procurement strategies.
- Risk Management: Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply.
- Quality Assurance: Work closely with quality control and other departments to ensure that purchased goods and services meet established quality standards.
Market Research: Stay informed about market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry best practices to continually improve procurement processes. - Reporting: Maintain detailed records of project procurement activities and provide regular reports to senior management. Achieve the cost reduction and OTD targets.
Critical Competencies for Success:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field. Master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., CSCP, CIPS) is a plus.
- Proven experience in global procurement and strategic sourcing, preferably in a project-based environment.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement software. Experience with IQMS is a plus.
- Knowledge of international trade regulations and customs procedures.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional and multicultural environment.
What IMI Can Offer You
At IMI, one of our top priorities is to create an inclusive culture of health. We strive to remove barriers to care (whether that be physical or financial) and in doing so, we offer choice for all your health and wellbeing needs.
See below for a general overview of our amazing perks and benefits:
- Multiple health plans to choose from: HMO, PPO, and High Deductible Health Plans with a low-cost share
- Best-in-class 401K plan with zero vesting and up to 6% contribution matching
- 14-week maternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
- 4-week paternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
- Employee Resource Groups that offer community and support, like our Pride Network and Network of Women groups
- PTO, encompassing inclusive holidays
- Career Development opportunities (IMI’s ‘Catalyst’ Program)
- Employer contribution for Health Savings Account, and in many cases free virtual telemedicine, and teletherapy.
- Mental Health and wellness programs to support you and your family
- Full suite of voluntary benefits to tap into, including but not limited to: Critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, legal insurance, identity theft protection, and pet insurance or home & auto insurance through our discount advantage platform
- Short & long-term disability as well as basic life insurance at 2x your basic salary at no cost to the employee
- Free financial advisors, webinars, and classes through Charles Schwab
- Annual Employee Stock Purchase Plan with option to purchase IMI shares at a reduced employee only price - no opportunity to lose, only to profit or refund your investment 100%
**Benefits plans change year over year, but we have guiding principles in place to ensure our employees have the tools and resources available to stay connected and up to date**
Health & Safety
The physical demands described within the Key Duties & Responsibilities section of this job description are required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Please contact your local HR representative to discuss the specific Work Conditions and Physical Requirements of this role.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Duties – At IMI we are all personally committed to protecting our people, minimizing our impact to the environment, the communities we operate in and our company. All members of our workforce have the duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves, others, and the environment. Every employee is expected to follow all HSE operating procedures, also to challenge any observed behaviors or unsafe acts.
Code of Ethics
IMI requires the highest standard of ethics in all business dealings, particularly with customers, suppliers, advisors, employees, and the authorities. In accordance with the IMI Way: Our Code of Responsible Business.
Changes to This Job Description
IMI may amend this job description in whole or part at any time.
IMI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.
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