Strategic Buyer

About JLG, an Oshkosh company

JLG began in 1969, when our founder, John L. Grove set out to resolve growing safety concerns in the construction industry. Since then we have been committed to understanding the challenges and delivering innovative solutions to the access market. We partner with customers to provide quality equipment, training opportunities and trusted support within the access industry. We are a global company, and our products—including mobile elevating work platforms, telehandlers, utility vehicles and accessories—can be found all over the world.

Job Summary

This is a strategic procurement role reporting to the Director, GPSC EMEAI, in which you will be empowered to build and maintain a strong knowledge of JLG products and strategic objectives and to drive procurement excellence initiatives across Europe with suppliers located globally. Strategic buyer position is a nice challenge for those who have aptitude for excelling and growing in the procurement domain. The role is responsible for the procurement of goods and services in support of manufacturing operations and business objectives. The role requires direct interface with suppliers to manage supplier relationships, ensure material availability, and optimize costs. Key responsibilities include managing supply chain risks, leading strategic sourcing, finding synergy across supply chain, driving operational effectiveness, and supporting new product development initiatives.  The role also mentors junior team members and participates in category strategy development. You will manage and coordinate procurement matters with stakeholders at manufacturing locations and globally, while working cross functionally to manage direct material spend for specific categories. Within this context, you will independently build and maintain strong relationships with (Executive) stakeholders around the Globe and work closely with global procurement teams, which will occasionally involve international travel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties are not meant to be all-inclusive; additional tasks may be assigned as needed.

Procurement and Supplier Management

• Act as the primary contact with suppliers, addressing performance, delivery, and quality issues.
• Negotiate supplier agreements, including pricing, lead times, and long-term contracts.
• Manage non-conforming materials, engineering change implementation, and part readiness for new programs.
• Lead purchasing and order management activities to ensure operational efficiency

Strategic and Analytical Responsibilities

• Conduct data analysis on spend, commodity trends, and cost models to support sourcing strategies.
• Execute value proposition projects and cost-saving initiatives.
• Mitigate price increase risks and lead supplier recovery plans.
• Support category councils and long-term supply agreements.
• Drive Synergy in supply chain leading to consolidation of supply base and substantial cost savings.

Operational Support

• Ensure data accuracy in ERP systems and supplier portals.
• Drive supply chain optimization initiatives, including lean practices and Kanban implementation.
• Create and present purchasing metrics and insights to management.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to address critical material shortages and operational challenges.

Mentorship and Training

• Mentor and train junior purchasing team members, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing.
• Stakeholder Management

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or a related field.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Purchasing experience in the manufacturing industry.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CIPS, APICS).
• Experience with complex fabrications and weldment commodity
• Strong proficiency in data analytics and ERP systems.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Experience with strategic sourcing and cost management.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Understands and addresses global supply chain dynamics.
• Collaboration: Builds relationships with suppliers and internal teams to achieve goals.
• Innovation: Identifies opportunities for improvement and champions creative solutions.
• Leadership: Motivates and mentors team members to achieve operational excellence.
• Problem-Solving: Adapts and applies solutions to diverse and complex challenges.

What we offer

• This is a role within an international and fast-growing company in a hybrid working environment. The salary, benefits and conditions of employment are aligned with the role and depending on educational level and experience.