Strategic Buyer - Industrial Controls

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

About the Role

As a Strategic Buyer- Industrial Controls at Watlow, you'll play a key role in supporting the engineering of integrated systems across a variety of industries, including Glass, Heat Treat, Life Science, Food & Beverage, Plastics, and Water. You'll apply your expertise in sourcing industrial controls materials, equipment, and supplies to help deliver high-quality solutions at competitive costs.

In this role, you'll independently manage internal purchasing requests, generate and oversee external purchase orders, and ensure timely delivery of goods and services. You'll use sound judgment to navigate outside standard procedures when needed and collaborate with cross-functional project teams and subcontractors to support the successful execution of control solutions.

This position will be based out of our site in Ashburn, VA.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Manage procurement operations, including processing internal purchasing requests, generating orders, and tracking deliveries.
• Source, negotiate, and purchase materials, equipment, and supplies to ensure cost-effective and high-quality sourcing.
• Evaluate and manage supplier relationships, including performance reviews, corrective actions, and contract negotiations.
• Resolve supplier issues, such as damage claims, returns, over-shipments, and engineering changes.
• Optimize material flow and cost efficiency by coordinating supply chain processes and improving service levels.
• Drive continuous improvement through participation in lean Kaizen events and waste reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including designers, engineers, and account managers, to align sourcing with project needs.
• Ensure compliance with technical and quality standards, providing solutions for process optimization and problem resolution.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification with 3-5 years of relevant experience
• Technical knowledge of industrial controls materials, equipment, and services
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in material management, MRP systems, pull systems, and lean concepts
• Familiarity with ERP systems, experience using Oracle Fusion a plus
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills
• High attention to detail, follow-up, and customer service focus
• Effective communication skills and a self-motivated work ethic

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Achievement Award
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.