Our client is a leader in the Packaging Machine Manufacturing industry specializing in Food Packaging Machines. We are currently looking for a S trategic Purchaser to ensure that the quality processes are strategically aligned with the company as a whole and external clients needs. Location: Oldsmar, FL Salary: $32 - $36+/hour *Relocation Assistance available* Job Summary: This role manages, coordinates and performs all activities related to strategic vendor sourcing, vendor development, vendor relationship management and vendor quality management in the supply chain. Main task is to ensure the fulfillment of all key performance indicator related to the purchasing triangle price ratio, lead time and quality. The tasks include the establishment and maintenance of a vendor matrix by supply chain families and commodity codes as a key supply chain steering tool. Job Details: Act as a strategic partner of the operational purchasing group to support procurement activities Steer price and terms negotiations with all vendors and distributors in close collaboration with finance and operational purchasing Establish and manage multi-year pricing agreements with selected vendors Manage price accuracy in ERP system Drive achievement of quality, cost and delivery targets Develop and maintain defined commodities including supplier selection RFQ process, supplier evaluation and communication Develop, coordinate, and drive Ratio Project Planning (RPP) activities Enhance current purchasing procedures and guidelines Develop supplier strategy to ensure product and service availability Regular interface with machine shop, assembly and customer service personnel for strategic requirements to assure that materials, tooling and parts are available as required Regular interface with engineering, from supply chain perspective, to support simplification of drawing parts and standardization activities. Regular interface with sister company, in Germany, to foster direct sourcing of aftermarket resell business in the United States Evaluate vendor performance (ratio, on-time-delivery, quality) and use that information to steer vendor development/feedback, such as sourcing activities to determine and maintain reliable sources of supply Establish and maintain multiple sources for most, if not all, parts purchased Create and maintain a high quality, teamwork, environment with other departments and outside vendors Interface with quality lab and coordinate communication with vendors on quality issues. This includes case-by- case follow-up with vendors based on quality defect reports (QDRs), such as regular summary reports to our vendors including required action items (minimum on a quarterly base) Assist with Accounts Payable issues as necessary in case of vendor related issues Participate in weekly project management meetings as representative for purchasing Participate in make or buy meetings as purchasing representative Develop and implements Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) pertinent to the effective and efficient operations of all areas of responsibility Performs administrative activities associated with the effective management of the responsible area, including compiling, storing, and retrieving data for reports. Assures compliance with company guidelines and standards in the purchasing department Travel to selected vendors (in agreement with materials manager) to perform vendor assessments. Report assessment results within the company and derive improvement initiatives, including regular vendor follow-ups on open points