Buyer – Fastening (Leadership Track)

Location: Westfield, IN
Department: Fastening / Construction Group
Reports To: Purchasing Leadership

Position Overview

This is not a traditional Buyer role. We are seeking a high-potential procurement professional who wants to accelerate into leadership.

The Buyer – Fastening will take ownership of a key product category within our fastening/construction business, driving sourcing strategy, inventory performance, and vendor partnerships. This individual will be developed with the expectation of growing into a leadership role overseeing the purchasing function, including managing a team of buyers.

If you’re looking for a role where your decisions directly impact the business—and where strong performance leads to rapid advancement—this is that opportunity.

What Makes This Role Different

• Clear path to leadership – strong performers will be positioned to manage a team of 4 buyers
• High visibility – direct impact on cost, margins, and service levels
• Ownership mindset – autonomy to make decisions and influence strategy
• Growth-focused environment – we value initiative, accountability, and leadership potential

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Ownership

• Own vendor relationships, pricing strategy, and sourcing decisions within assigned fastening categories
• Negotiate cost, freight, and rebate structures to improve margins
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, product substitution, and cost reduction

Inventory & Business Performance

• Manage inventory with a focus on service levels, turns, and working capital
• Use data and forecasting tools to make proactive purchasing decisions
• Take accountability for category performance and continuous improvement

Leadership Development

• Demonstrate leadership through decision-making, accountability, and cross-functional influence
• Mentor and support team members as opportunities arise
• Prepare to transition into a formal leadership role overseeing the purchasing team

Cross-Functional Impact

• Partner closely with sales, operations, and customer service to drive business results
• Provide guidance on pricing, availability, and product strategy
• Communicate effectively during supply disruptions and demand shifts

Execution & Process Discipline

• Ensure accuracy and efficiency in purchase orders, vendor data, and ERP systems
• Continuously improve purchasing processes and workflows
• Act with urgency to resolve supply chain challenges

What We’re Looking For

Required

• 3–6+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain
• Proven ability to own decisions and drive results, not just execute tasks
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into action
• High level of accountability and initiative

Preferred

• Experience in fasteners, construction products, or industrial distribution
• Exposure to inventory planning in a high-SKU environment
• Demonstrated leadership potential (informal or formal)

Who You Are

• You’re ready to move beyond being “just a buyer” and take on broader ownership
• You think like a business partner, not just a transactional purchaser
• You want a fast track to leadership, not a static role
• You’re comfortable being held accountable for results—and recognized for them

Growth Path

Successful performance in this role is expected to lead to:

• Leadership responsibility over the purchasing team (4 buyers)
• Increased involvement in strategic sourcing and business planning
• Expanded decision-making authority and organizational influence