Merchandise Buyer jobs in Fort Smith, AR

Be part of something bigger!

As the world and the way people live is changing, at Bekaert we believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to finding new solutions for the future. Our ambition is to be the leading partner for shaping the way we live and move. And to always do this the Bekaert Way – safe, smart, and sustainable.

With a heritage of more than 140 years, we continue to strengthen our core competencies that have made Bekaert a global market and technology leader in material science of steel wire transformation and coating technologies. Today, we also apply our expertise beyond steel to create new solutions with innovative materials and services for markets including new mobility, low-carbon construction, and green energy.

As a dynamic and growing company with over 27,000 employees worldwide, 75 nationalities, a retention rate above 90% and almost € 7 billion in combined revenue in 2022, we're looking for someone like you to join our team!

Why join us?

• Personal Growth – Let us help you unlock your full potential
• Pioneering – Join us to challenge the impossible
• Creativity - Discover possibilities beyond steel
• Purpose – Drive progress for our planet and people
• Diversity – Together, we create change

About the role

The Plant Buyer performs sourcing activities for our Van Buren, AR based operation. Responsible for identification and evaluation of North American opportunities within the category for reduction of spend, consolidation of process, function, and continuity of supply. Delivers continuous improvement in cost process and services within the category. Responsible for requests for information (RFI) or quote (RFQ). Generates recommendations based on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) comparisons.

This function is a hybrid role located out of our Van Buren, AR location and will report directly to the Procurement Category Director Americas.

Your Impact as a Plant Buyer:

• Relationship Management

• Foster relationships with key suppliers, stakeholders, and internal customers.

• Negotiation

• Support category leader in all negotiations and preparation related to events and discussions.
• Initiate and implement critical projects and actions that align with company goals and category targets in a timely manner

• Risk Management

• Perform supply chain risk analysis based on single/sole suppliers, COO, lifecycle, and category.
• Ensure access to the best market intelligence tools to provide actionable insights across the regions.

• Structural Adherence

• Initiate and support the negotiation of agreements with key suppliers to ensure continuous supply. These are not limited to NDA’s, supplier agreement, stocking agreements, rebates, supplier code of conduct, and stocking agreements.
• Support the administration of contracts and organize for these contracts the activation in collaboration with internal applicants, tactical buyers, and category managers.

About You

Essential skills & competencies

• 3 plus years’ procurement experience or experience in a related function
• 3 years category experience as either lead or support
• Ability to manage multiple priorities from a variety of internal customers and locations
• Proven analytical skills working with multiple data sets and providing fact-based solutions
• Demonstrate superior negotiating skills for specific needs of the business
• Deliver precise and detailed verbal and written communications across email, meetings, and stakeholder interactions
• Preferred understanding and experience related to working in a matrix environment
• Work independently, be self-motivated and results driven
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software products
• Proficiency with SAP is preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree required; preferred major is in a business related competency
• Minimum travel, approx. 20%, to North America based locations

Will you dare to take the next step?

Join us to unlock your full potential AND have a true impact in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

We're looking for individuals who are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas. If you are passionate about personal growth and bringing your authentic self to work, we want you on our team!

At Bekaert, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

To learn more about us and our exciting career opportunities, visit Bekaert Careers