Senior Buyer Fabricated Parts chez KNAPP

WHO WE ARE

 At KNAPP (pronounced K-NAP, not Nap!), we “Make Complexity Simple” by offering intelligent solutions for digitizing and automating everything from production and distribution to the last mile and stores. We are the customer’s value tech chain partner, which means partnering with the customer to create the most value within each link in their supply chain. Leveraging the latest software, AI and Robotics technology, we continue to disrupt the logistics automation industry for the world’s industry leaders in grocery, healthcare, retail, e-commerce, apparel & manufacturing.
 
We are a global company with our US headquarters located just North of Atlanta in Kennesaw, GA. KNAPP specializes in automated solutions for both WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) and WCS (Warehouse Control Systems) for B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer) customers. We are a growing company of over 7,200 employees worldwide and in over 50 countries that is privately held, with 7% of our revenue reinvested in R&D, ensuring a strong and vibrant future! Join us and see how you can help change the world! For more information, visit www.knapp.com..

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

The Senior Buyer – Fabricated Parts is responsible for the timely and effective execution of procurement activities to ensure cost-optimized and demand-driven material supply. This includes fabricated components, systems, and services. The role contributes directly to company success by maximizing value creation through strategic sourcing, supplier development, and risk management, in alignment with internal processes and work instructions.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:  

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for fabricated parts (e.g., sheet metal, machined components, welded assemblies).
• Coordinate analysis of existing procurement markets and develop sustainable strategies based on SWOT analysis.
• Select, qualify, and develop suppliers in collaboration with Global Procurement & Sourcing.
• Ensure supplier development in terms of cost, quality, delivery performance, innovation, and risk mitigation.
• Maintain and update supplier master data in the ERP system (e.g., SAP).

Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Actively contribute to product and project development (e.g., standardization, homogenization).
• Collaborate with Engineering and Project Management to align procurement activities with technical and timeline requirements.
• Organize structured inquiry processes and ensure smooth communication with suppliers.
• Support internal departments with market insights and supplier capabilities.

Negotiation & Contract Management

• Prepare and conduct negotiations to secure best-in-class pricing, payment terms, and service levels.
• Formalize supply contracts with support from Legal and monitor supplier performance to ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Support claim management and lead negotiations with suppliers regarding claims and disputes.

Risk & Performance Management

• Ensure functioning risk management within the commodity group and across supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs and contractual obligations.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance and identify improvement opportunities.

Process & System Improvement

• Contribute to the development and implementation of procurement tools, processes, and systems.
• Support harmonization of procurement practices across the organization.
• Drive innovative ideas for continuous improvement in procurement operations.

Leadership & Communication

• Provide functional leadership to the local commodity group team.
• Act as the interface to key suppliers and strengthen the company’s bargaining power.
• Ensure timely and transparent communication with Procurement leadership and other stakeholders.
• Keep the Director Procurement Direct Spend informed of relevant developments and issues.

Operational Responsibilities

• Process purchase orders in accordance with project timelines and internal procedures.
• Manage delivery schedules and ensure timely receipt of fabricated parts.
• Track and resolve delivery delays, quantity discrepancies, and quality issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of procurement transactions and supplier communications.
• Support the resolution of supplier claims and coordinate corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and audit requirements related to purchasing activities.
• Perform any other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

WHAT YOU HAVE

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of strategic and operational procurement experience, preferably in fabricated parts or industrial manufacturing.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Working Conditions and Environment:

• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Passport or ability to obtain passport
• Professional office etiquette is required at all times
•   Travel required up to 10% 
• Physical requirements: sitting for long periods of time, standing, walking, climbing a ladder, speaking, visual acuity, finger dexterity, listening, reaching at arm’s length, and lifting up to 50 pounds

WHAT YOU WILL GET

• 2 remote days per week
• Half day Fridays
• A beautiful new, state-of-the-art, office complex in Kennesaw, GA
• Industry competitive compensation
• Great benefits with better than average employer contributions, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short & Long Term Disability and more!
• 401k with a very generous employer match and no vesting!
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Parental Leave
• Subsidized Daycare
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Pet Insurance
• Subsidized food delivery
• Monthly celebrations
• Quarterly employee events
• Corporate Social Responsibility including recycling, sustainability and volunteering

KNAPP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other basis protected by law. 

Due to the safety-sensitive nature of this position, strict adherence to KNAPP’s drug-free workplace policy is required.  All candidates will be subject to drug-screening in accordance with the policy and will be expected to remain drug-free during their employment. There will be no exception if recreational or medical use of marijuana is permitted in the location of employment and/or residence or if use of marijuana is only during “off-hours.”