Purchasing Strategic Buyer

The Strategic Buyer supports the business by identifying strategic sourcing opportunities, developing commodity strategies, conducting risk assessments, qualifying suppliers, leading the RFQ process, negotiating contracts and pricing agreements, and managing supplier relationships. The position is on site.   Main Responsibilities   Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies for assigned commodities categories, aligning with business goals and market trends. Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and reliability. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships by developing and executing supplier development programs that enhance performance, foster collaboration, and drive continuous improvement to ensure a reliable and resilient supply base. Lead commercial discussions and negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular reviews to ensure compliance with contractual obligations. Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., engineering, production, finance) to align on procurement needs and specifications, while partnering with the sustainability team to ensure ethical and responsible sourcing practices across the supply base. Analyze market trends and potential risks to anticipate supply chain disruptions, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain robust contingency plans to ensure continuous supply. Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute category strategies, driving cost savings and implementing process improvements across the supply chain. Maintain accurate procurement records, ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, and track key metrics to support business reporting and decision-making. Interact with internal stakeholders and external suppliers in a professional and timely manner to ensure business needs are met. Perform supplier evaluations, requests for quote, competitive bids, and monitor quality of product. Collaborate with RFE (Request for Expenditure) requesters to support pre-work and execution of the approved RFE. Lead procurement projects in support of SSAB growth and improvement projects. Support the organization’s operational workflow (issue POs, stock reorders.)   About You   Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related and 7+ years of procurement experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment; OR High School Diploma with 10+ years of manufacturing procurement experience. Solid understanding of contract law, supplier relationship management, and cost analysis methodologies. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions. Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in MS 365, the ability to quickly learn new systems, and familiarity with AI tools. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders effectively. Persuasive ‘change agent’ capable of challenging conventional wisdom. Proven ability to negotiate effectively and communicate clearly across all levels of the organization. Proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with peers, cross-functional teams, and key stakeholders. Very good organizational, time management, and teamwork skills. Efficient, proactive, a continuous improvement mindset, and exceptional commitment to accuracy and quality.   Preferred Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field Experience with global sourcing and supplier development Experience managing commodities or contracts Experience in Capital Project Procurement Support Experience in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Familiarity with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles   Our Offer   At SSAB we use our values – driven, true and ahead – in making everyday decisions, keeping the customer at the heart of what we do. This makes us all team players, each with the drive to improve. When joining SSAB you will become part of an organization of passionate problem solvers working together on important challenges.   We offer a wide range of benefits to our team members: Bonuses Profit sharing 401(k) with 5% employer match 10 paid holidays Vacation Excellent, affordable benefits Tuition reimbursement Challenging and interesting work Friendly and inclusive workplace Work for a global company committed to sustainability   Becoming part of the SSAB team means joining a journey. A journey that we believe is essential for the sustainability of this planet. Steel has been one of the most important materials for developing our society and it will continue to be so. In the roofs over our heads, in the bridges connecting our cities and in the cars of tomorrow. At SSAB we are proud of our history and leadership in high-strength steel. But we are also aware that the production of steel is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world. That has to change. That is why we have developed the world’s first fossil free steel production and have committed to becoming largely fossil-free. As part of SSAB you will be instrumental in realizing this goal and push for the green transformation of the whole steel industry.   #LI-DNI