Buyer - Commercial Solutions Division (Hobart Welding Products)

Job Description:

The Buyer is responsible for managing finished goods purchasing, inventory planning, and supplier performance for a portfolio of equipment and private-label accessory products serving U.S. retail and e-commerce customers. This role translates demand forecasts, customer programs, and marketing initiatives into supply plans that optimize product availability, inventory investment, and customer service.

As the primary supply chain partner to Sales, Marketing, and Operations, the Buyer aligns demand with supply capabilities, manages global supplier relationships, coordinates import activities, and provides inventory and fulfillment guidance to support business growth and customer satisfaction. The Buyer is accountable for key supply chain metrics including inventory turns, on-time delivery/fill rate, supplier performance, and working capital management.

How you will Make an Impact:

• Develop and execute inventory, replenishment, and stocking strategies based on demand variability, lead times, on-time delivery objectives.
• Translate forecasts, customer programs, and marketing initiatives into purchasing and supply plans.
• Establish and manage inventory targets and safety stock levels to balance product availability, inventory investment, and supply risk.
• Own key supply chain performance metrics including inventory turns, supplier on-time delivery, and working capital performance.
• Manage purchasing activities for finished goods and accessory products, monitoring past-due POs, and engaging in supplier follow-up.
• Build and manage relationships with domestic and international suppliers, including negotiation, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate global supply and import activities, working with logistics providers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to ensure reliable inbound supply.
• Plan purchasing activities around production schedules, holidays, lead times, and global logistics constraints.
• Monitor supplier performance and inbound shipments, proactively addressing delays, disruptions, and supply risks.
• Serve as the primary supply chain partner to Hobart Welding Products Sales, Marketing, and Operations, providing guidance on inventory availability, lead times, and order fulfillment feasibility.
• Evaluate large or non-standard customer orders and provide data-driven recommendations to support these customers.
• Collaborate with Marketing to ensure inventory readiness for promotions, campaigns, and product launches.
• Drive cost reduction, working capital, and profitability initiatives through strategic sourcing and purchasing decisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve supply chain processes, planning effectiveness, and operational performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business Management, or related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, inventory planning, supply planning, or supply chain management.
• Experience managing global suppliers and import supply chains.
• Demonstrated ability to balance customer service, inventory, cost, and supply chain risk.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams.
• Experience with retail or consumer products
• Experience with eCommerce or omnichannel retail
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and influencing skills.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
• Highly organized with strong prioritization and time management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Company Description

Comprised of a market-leading portfolio of best-in-class brands, the businesses of ITW Welding work together to provide premium performance delivered through a breadth of solutions encompassing welding, cutting, consumables, and accessories.  ITW Welding North America represents Miller Electric Welding Equipment, Safety & Accessories, Hobart Filler Metals, and Bernard / Tregaskiss MIG Guns.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW). The company maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality and responsiveness. Our tagline, “The Power of Blue®,” is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

The company began with an innovation that responded to customer needs, growing from a one-man operation in 1929, to the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding products. Miller keeps the tradition alive by focusing on its top priority: people.

Why ITW Welding?

Here’s what we offer to help you build the future you want:

• Generous Retirement Benefits – 401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution to help you plan for the future.
• Paid Time Off – 11 paid holidays, 5 sick days, and vacation time to take time for what matters.
• Company-Paid Insurance – Life, AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance to give you peace of mind.
• Family-Friendly Benefits – 4 weeks of paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement to support your family journey.
• Education Assistance – tuition reimbursement because we believe in investing in your personal and professional development.

At ITW Welding, we’re not just a place to work – we’re a community that empowers you to grow and make a real impact. Join us and build a career that makes a difference!

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.