Senior Buyer at Premier Truck Rental – Fort Wayne, Indiana

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Buyer at PTR plays a critical leadership role in the strategic sourcing andpurchasingof production parts across all locations. This senior-level position involves leading supplier relationships, developing procurement strategies, andoptimizingsupply chain processes while also providing leadership and direction to a team of Buyers.

This role will require periodic travel to PTR locations to support operations, align procurement strategies, strengthen supplier partnerships, and ensure inventory andpurchasingstandards are consistently executedcompanywide. TheSenior Buyer willbe responsible forhigh-level negotiations, cost optimization, inventory ownership, supplier performance management, and team development.

LOCATION

Onsite in Fort Wayne, IN

COMPENSATION

This position offers a competitive compensation package, benchmarked to regional market standards. It consists of a base salary plus the opportunity for quarterly profit sharing after one year of employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchasing & Negotiation:

Lead strategic procurement efforts for materials, equipment, and supplies through advanced negotiation strategies. Evaluate supplier quotes and services, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while securing the most competitive pricing and service levels. Foster long-term partnerships with suppliers to improve pricing structures, delivery timelines, and service performance.

Team Leadership & Development:

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of buyers, ensuring alignment with company goals and procurement standards. Set clear performance expectations and provide coaching to elevate team capability and accountability. Facilitate regular team meetings to align purchasing strategies, forecast changes, and operational priorities.

Coordination & Operational Oversight:

Oversee internal purchasing requests and ensure the timely execution of external purchasing activities. Optimize the physical movement of parts and procurement data across all locations to meet cost and service targets. Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Warehouse, Service, and Operations teams to streamline procurement processes.

Supplier Management:

Drive supplier relationship management by selecting and monitoring suppliers, implementing corrective actions, conducting audits, and gathering feedback. Lead negotiations to resolve issues such as quality claims, rejections, returns, over shipments, cancellations, and engineering changes. Hold suppliers accountable to performance metrics, including cost, quality, and on-time delivery.

Master Data Management & Auditing:

Ensure accuracy of all purchased item data in the Master Data Management system. Conduct regular audits of Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure alignment with production requirements.

Inventory Ownership & Strategy:

Take full ownership of inventory management across supported locations, ensuring accurate physical inventories, cycle counts, and adjustments. Maintain optimal inventory levels aligned with operational demand and financial objectives. Proactively identify and mitigate excess and obsolete inventory risk.

Relationship Building & Customer Service:

Cultivate strong relationships with internal teams, contract manufacturers, and external suppliers. Act as a liaison between internal stakeholders and external partners to resolve procurement challenges. Deliver exceptional service by understanding and responding to internal and external customer needs with professionalism and urgency.

Cost Leadership & Service Optimization:

Strategically source and purchase parts to secure the lowest total cost and optimal service levels. Leverage PTRs purchasing volume and growth trajectory to negotiate improved pricing and service agreements.

Forecasting & Communication:

Lead regular forecasting reviews with the Parts Purchasing Team and communicate demand changes proactively to suppliers. Ensure alignment between BOM updates, production schedules, and supplier commitments.

Multi-Site Execution & Travel:

Travel to PTR locations as needed to support operational alignment, supplier reviews, inventory audits, and team development. Ensure procurement standards and best practices are consistently implemented across all facilities.

REQUIREMENTS

MUST HAVE

Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement or strategic sourcing with demonstrated leadership responsibilities. Expertise in inventory management, such as ABC analysis, setting safety stocks, min/maxes, demand forecasting, order replenishment strategies, slotting and picking optimization. Proven ability to lead and develop a team of buyers. Strong negotiation, organizational, and communication skills. Advanced attention to detail, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. Ability to manage complex supplier relationships and drive measurable procurement improvements. Willingness to travel periodically to support multi-location operations.

NICE TO HAVE

Strong understanding of end-to-end fleet management or supply chain processes, including procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and inventory lifecycle management. General knowledge in fleet management principles, techniques, and best practices. Experience working with ERP systems, PIM systems, or inventory/asset management platforms.