Fabric & Flooring Buyer

POSITION TITLE Fabric and Flooring Buyer   POSITION OVERVIEW The Direct Materials Buyer in the Global Sourcing team responsible for outside manufacturing and fibers in support of our Fabric and Flooring Strategic Business Units (SBUs).  Expectations are to continuously deliver value to the business via strategic sourcing, cost reduction, supplier performance management, supply market monitoring and risk management.   This position will be deeply involved in textile processing, sourcing, supplier relationship management, and close collaboration with our R&D and business leaders.   JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Responsible for creating and implementing the Global Sourcing Strategy for major commodities that will include nonwovens fibers and outside manufacturing needs used in the textile industry. Develop and implement management strategies with key suppliers to ensure the availability of materials necessary to meet the needs of specific Business Units and strive for continuous improvement from suppliers in cost, delivery, and quality. Ensure supply of materials to meet the needs of the Milliken internal and external manufacturing locations, including strategy for risk mitigation. Ensure that Milliken interactions with suppliers do not compromise primary or secondary business strategies relative to enablement of competitors Facilitate collaboration and drive improvements in the procurement process. Rapidly assess and positively resolve dynamic business conditions which may include unplanned supply disruptions. Owns communication flow to and from suppliers, including timely communications to necessary stakeholders in the Textile Division     QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED Bachelor of Science degree: Business, Supply Chain, Textiles or Chemical Engineering Experience with analytical skills including using online tools Proficient in data analysis and presentation. High degree of personal accountability, results orientated with a track record of beating commitments. Bias for understanding business needs and the ability to establish and maintain a high level of trust and confidence with internal stakeholders Strong bias for continuous improvement; professionally curious and open to change. Strong communication skills and an ability to present to all levels of the organization and key suppliers.     QUALIFICATIONS - DESIRED Global purchasing experience within a manufacturing organization Demonstrated strategic sourcing and negotiating skills, knowledge in contract negotiations and administration of contracts Strong project management skills with the ability to influence and facilitate cross-functional teams involving multiple functions with competing goals Experience in, or working in close collaboration with, commercial product development teams Manufacturing plant floor, supply chain, and/or plant accounting experience Experience traveling internationally and working with companies in all regions of the world a plus Proficient in SAP (or similar ERP), Microsoft Office applications, etc.