Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

Windings, Inc.
• Eden Prairie, MN or New Ulm, MN

At Windings, Inc., we don't just build motors - we power critical missions. For over 60 years, we've designed and manufactured custom motors and components used in outer space, on the battlefield, on racetracks, and in deep drilling environments. When failure isn't an option, customers call us. We are 100% employee-owned (ESOP since 1998) and offer a retirement contribution of 10-12% of your annual pay at no cost to you.

Our mission:
Making Our Customer's Critical Mission Possible
.

Are you a strategic sourcing professional who thrives in a fast-paced, technical manufacturing environment? Do you enjoy negotiating complex agreements, developing high-performing supplier partnerships, and driving measurable supply chain improvements? If so, join Windings as our next Senior Buyer
.

* This position is full time on-site and can sit either at our New Ulm, MN location or at our Eden Prairie, MN office.

Position Overview

As a Senior Buyer
, you will lead strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives that support our global, multi-site operations in electromagnetic solutions. This is a high-impact role focused on ensuring dependable supply of critical materials and services while upholding rigorous quality, delivery, and regulatory standards. You will collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to strengthen supplier performance, mitigate risk, and continuously optimize our supply chain.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development

• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and develop suppliers aligned with Windings’ QMS and customer expectations
• Lead competitive RFQ processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations in support of Sales and Program Management
• Establish long-term agreements for critical application programs

Supplier Performance & Risk Management

• Monitor and improve supplier performance through assessments, audits, and structured improvement initiatives
• Proactively mitigate supply risks and develop contingency strategies for both NPI and legacy production
• Support recovery efforts during supply chain constraints to minimize production impact

Cost Optimization & Operational Excellence

• Develop and execute cost-saving initiatives
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and lead times to enhance total cost of ownership
• Coordinate purchasing activities across multiple systems to support a multi-site international operation
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical sourcing standards

Technical & Analytical Expertise

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain dynamics
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand commodity categories, material grades, and manufacturing processes related to electromagnetic solutions
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems

Business & Negotiation Acumen

• Proven negotiation and contract management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• International sourcing and purchasing experience preferred

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field or 8-10+ years of directly related experience
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Professional certification (CPSM, CPM, or similar) preferred

Why Join Windings?

At Windings, you’ll play a key role in supporting critical applications that demand precision, reliability, and performance. You’ll influence supplier strategy, drive operational improvements, and collaborate with technical experts across the organization.

If you’re ready to take ownership of strategic sourcing initiatives and make a measurable impact across a global supply chain, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary

Description:

$75,000 - $95,000 annual DOQ

We are committed to providing pay ranges for all open positions. Specific compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. The listed…