Strategic Purchasing Buyer

Location: Saint Louis, Mo - North Hanley Road

Salary Range: $ 76,480.00 to $ 114,720.00

About SKF:

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!

SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.

We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.

We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.

Position Summary:

The Strategic Purchasing Buyer is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that deliver measurable value QCDIM, quality, cost, delivery, innovation and management. This role manages supplier selection, negotiations, contracting, and ongoing supplier performance for assigned categories. The position partners with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams to ensure supply continuity, optimize total cost of ownership, and support business growth.

Key Responsabilities:

• Develop category strategies, including market analysis, should-cost models, and risk assessments.
• Lead sourcing events, conduct total cost of ownership evaluations, and prepare award recommendations.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, service levels, and risk-related contract provisions.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance reviews, corrective action plans, and continuous improvement.
• Deliver annual cost savings, productivity improvements, and value creation targets.
• Support cash flow improvements through negotiated payment terms and inventory optimization.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks while ensuring policy and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support qualification processes, engineering changes, and operational needs.
• Maintain accurate supplier and purchasing data within the ERP system.
• Track sourcing projects, savings, KPIs, and risk mitigation activities.
• Support new product development projects.
• Travel up to 10%

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3 to 6 years of sourcing or procurement experience.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiations and cost reduction.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with Excel.
• Experience with contracts, commercial terms, and supplier performance metrics.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in manufacturing and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with supplier quality processes such as PPAP, audits, or corrective action.
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI.
• Experience with sourcing platforms such as Ariba.
• Spanish is a plus.

What You’ll Love About SKF:

Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.

Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.

Diversity in the Workplace. At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.

Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment.  Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!

Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.

Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution:  100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.