Buyer – Subcontracting

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position SUMMARY

The Buyer – Subcontracting is responsible for overseeing subcontracting procurement activities across assigned commodities, ensuring optimal sourcing, cost control, and inventory alignment to support business objectives. This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective subcontractor engagement. The position involves proactive decision-making, strategic cost analysis, and continuous process improvement within the supply chain function.

Location: Based out of Roanoke, VA OR Louisville, KY

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary liaison for suppliers and subcontractors related to assigned commodities, ensuring consistent performance and compliance with company standards.
• Initiate and manage subcontracting orders, RFQs, and purchase orders, leveraging data to ensure efficient procurement aligned with demand planning and operational goals.
• Maintain accurate subcontracting cost records in the ERP system, including tracking of lot charges and integration of updated component weight data.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and finance teams to ensure accurate costing and process visibility throughout the subcontracting lifecycle.
• Evaluate sourcing strategies to identify when parts should transition from subcontracted services to direct purchasing based on cost-benefit analysis.
• Monitor and address unconfirmed and past-due purchase orders, ensuring minimal disruptions to production schedules or delivery timelines.
• Oversee inventory transfers between locations and manage supplier delivery schedules to meet internal requirements.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve issues related to orders, invoices, product quality, and delivery discrepancies.
• Coordinate with vendors to adjust shipment timing or quantities based on shifting business priorities and customer requirements.
• Leverage market insights, pricing trends, and cost data to optimize purchasing strategies and inform negotiation tactics.
• Build and maintain relationships with alternate suppliers to enhance flexibility and mitigate risk.
• Participate in cross-functional discussions with sales, demand planning, and supply chain teams to align subcontracting activities with customer expectations.
• Lead or contribute to initiatives that enhance purchasing efficiency, cost tracking accuracy, and overall supply chain effectiveness.
• Support knowledge sharing and continuity across the team; provide cross-coverage support during absences or high-demand periods.
• Perform other duties as required to support departmental objectives.

education, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, operations, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement, subcontracting, or supply chain management.
• Strong understanding of purchasing principles, cost management, and subcontractor coordination.
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, for cost tracking and data analysis.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions and communicate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience identifying and implementing process enhancements.
• A proactive, customer-focused approach with a high degree of accountability and ownership.

Pay: Starting at $55,000

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets and, in some instances, may include education, skills, work experience and certifications. You may also be eligible to participate in an annual incentive bonus. An incentive bonus, if any, depends on various factors such as organizational performance.

The Wurth Difference:

• Proactive supply chain solutions customized to your business, your industry.
• Industrial products and services delivered with prompt, personal attention.
• Inventory management solutions that keep your production line moving smoothly.
• Complete program support from initial design, to implementation, training, to ongoing analysis.

Why Wurth:

• Maternity/Paternal leave after 1 year of service.
• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after 1 year of service.
• Health benefits and programs – medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more.
• Additional benefits 401(k), short term disability, long term disability.
• Paid Time Off, accrued per pay period, additional day earned per year of service.
• 10 paid holidays

EEOC STATEMENT:

The Wurth Industry North America group of companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status, and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. Wurth will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws.

GED (required)
High School (required)