Strategic Procurement Specialist – OEM

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist – OEM develops and executes sourcing strategies for equipment and products acquired and integrated into BW Packaging Systems Automation and Integration projects. The role engages early in the opportunity cycle to evaluate OEM capabilities, align commercial and contractual terms before an order is placed, and partner across Packaging, including Project Management, Applications, Sales, Finance, and Field Service, to ensure business goals and customer commitments are met.

The Strategic Procurement Specialist - OEM also maintains strategic relationships with OEM partners while monitoring project timelines, supplier performance, margin objectives, and future OEM operational needs. Also responsible for onboarding of new suppliers, managing MSA’s and aligning commercial agreements, this role balances financial performance with disciplined order execution and customer trust.

• Develop sourcing strategies for OEM equipment and services that balance total cost, quality, technical capability, delivery, service support, and supply risk.

Negotiate supplier contracts, including pricing, payment terms, delivery, freight, and penalty clauses.

• Partner with the Applications team to obtain supplier quotations, cost information, and delivery commitments, engaging early before suppliers are incorporated into opportunities.

• Serve as the primary liaison between Packaging’s Automation and Integration team and suppliers throughout the order process.

• Understand company financial and margin objectives and obtain appropriate purchase order approvals in accordance with established guidelines.

• Maintain a disciplined approach to cash flow by aligning supplier commitments with customer contract terms and conditions.

• Analyze system-generated and manual requirements to ensure timely placement of purchase orders for goods and services.

• Create and manage purchase orders using the ERP planning system.

• Expedite existing purchase orders as needed.

• Monitor product supply against schedule and maintain visibility with Project Managers and other functional teams through backlog reviews.

• Understand and coordinate the logistical needs of the division and OEM suppliers.

• Hold suppliers accountable for commitments that align with customer expectations for each order.

• Drive continuous improvement with suppliers in lead-time reduction, schedule flexibility, quality, inventory reduction across the supply chain, and price reduction in partnership with Platform and divisional Strategic Sourcing teams.

• Resolve pricing and receiving discrepancies with suppliers and coordinate with Accounts Payable to support appropriate cash-flow management, including approval of progress payments as objectives are achieved.

• Partner with suppliers to identify the source of defective or unacceptable goods and implement corrective action.

• Assist with capacity-management recommendations related to OEM buyouts.

• Use manufacturing systems and processes related to work orders, inventory control, routings, bills of materials, material requirements planning (MRP), and enterprise resource planning (ERP).

• Report key metrics, including supplier on-time delivery, financial and margin performance, supplier lead time, OEM shipments, and schedule attainment.

• Apply strong analytical, problem-solving, team-building, strategic-planning, and change-management skills to improve OEM operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field required.

• Five years of Purchasing, or Strategic Sourcing experience required, preferably within the Capital Equipment industry.

• MRP and supply chain knowledge required.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-through.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access required.

• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) certification desired.

• Ability to travel to OEM manufacturing sites, other BW facilities, and client sites as needed.