Strategic Purchaser
Haarslev is an innovative company that provides powerful processing solutions engineered to benefit the global environment. We apply many different technologies to help and enable our customers to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future. As part of this remarkable journey, we are looking for a Strategic Purchaser.
The job
The Strategic Purchaser is responsible for proactively identifying and resolving part availability challenges that impact customer commitments and operational performance. This role serves as an escalation point when standard sourcing channels cannot meet required lead times and partners closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Suppliers to secure faster and more effective sourcing solutions. The position exercises independent judgment in evaluating sourcing alternatives and recommending solutions that support business priorities.
You will report to the Purchasing Manager and be a part of the Operations team in North America.
Tasks and responsibilities
Act as the primary escalation point for parts with excessive or high-risk lead times that threaten customer delivery or revenue commitments.
Identify and evaluate alternative sourcing strategies, including secondary suppliers, expedited options, substitutes, or redesign recommendations.
Lead time-critical sourcing efforts for constrained, obsolete, or long-lead components.
Develop and maintain a strong understanding of supplier capabilities, market conditions, and component availability trends.
Monitor supply chain risks and proactively recommend mitigation strategies.
Partner with Commercial, Procurement, Engineering, Operations, and Category Management teams to align sourcing decisions with customer and business priorities.
Support Sales and customer-facing teams by providing clear communication on sourcing options, timelines, and risks.
Develop and document escalation processes, decision frameworks, and sourcing playbooks for long-lead or constrained parts.
Identify recurring lead-time issues and recommend systemic improvements or strategic supplier changes.
Analyze lead-time data, supplier performance, and sourcing outcomes to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
Other duties as assigned by the Purchasing Manager
Requirements
3–5 years of experience in strategic purchasing or sourcing.
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Professional certification such as CPSM, CSCP, or CPIM preferred but not required.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain, procurement, or materials management.
Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
Ability to manage urgent, high-impact issues with a structured and calm approach.
Excellent communication skills with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
Strong analytical skills and comfort working with data and ERP systems.
Adaptability and ability to work effectively in fast-changing conditions.
Haarslev, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law.
Why Haarslev?
Join us and enjoy:
Growth Opportunities: Chart your own professional and personal growth path in this brand-new position.
Influence Matters: Have a say in developing your role because you're not just an employee; you're a crucial part of our journey.
Global Team Dynamics: Work with a skilled, international team dedicated to creating a better tomorrow.
Open Culture: Experience a supportive company culture that values your ideas and contributions.
Work/Life Balance: We believe in a healthy work/life balance, allowing you to thrive in and out of the workplace. If your role permits, embrace the flexibility to work from home when needed.
Application
If you think this sounds like a good match, and you‘re interested in joining one of the leading processing technology companies in the world, please apply below. We do not accept applications via e-mail – you must use the online form to submit your application.
Haarslev encourages anyone interested and suitably qualified to apply for this position.
- Department
- Procurement
- Locations
- Lenexa, North America
- Yearly salary
- $70,000 - $85,000
- Employment type
- Full-time
Lenexa, North America
About HAARSLEV
The global population continues to rise and the world’s supply of vital proteins, minerals, fuel and other essentials are increasingly under pressure. Making more efficient use of these limited resources is crucial for our shared future.
Although not familiar to the general public, “rendering” and related processes are essential in squeezing more nutrition and other value out of the resources the world has at hand.
Instead of simply discarding and throwing away the many kinds of leftovers and residue from processing different kinds of meat, poultry and fish, Haarslev processing technology breaks this potentially valuable material down into its many constituent parts – including proteins, minerals, ingredients and fuels we can use. These often have value, as well as considerable potential for new product streams and new revenue.
Haarslev helps make this all happen, by providing the specialist
knowhow and equipment needed to make sure rendering is a safe, healthy and
financially viable activity. Which is why Haarslev is the world’s no. 1
provider of rendering and related processing solutions.