Join Our Team! Lavelle Industries Inc. is searching for a Senior Buyer at our Whitewater, WI facility. In this role, you will play a key role in driving strategic procurement, supplier performance, cost optimization, and materials management initiatives across our Burlington, Whitewater, and Mexico facilities. This is a highly collaborative and hands-on leadership position focused on continuous improvement, supplier strategy, and operational excellence, with strong potential for future growth into a Procurement Manager role.

Lavelle is a woman-owned, family business best known for our Korky® brand of toilet repair products sold throughout the home improvement market. As a vertically integrated manufacturer, we develop proprietary rubber formulations and design innovative products focused on ease of use, manufacturability, and long-term performance.

We are a data-driven organization focused on continuous improvement, reducing variation, and investing in innovation across our products, materials, and processes. With ownership actively reinvesting in the business, our goal is simple: to stay in business forever and have fun.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Buyer will lead procurement, sourcing, and materials management initiatives while driving continuous improvement across the supply chain organization.

Procurement & Strategic Sourcing Responsibilities

• Lead supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing initiatives, and supplier relationship management activities
• Develop sourcing strategies, supplier onboarding processes, and raw material risk mitigation plans
• Conduct market analysis and monitor industry trends to support cost optimization initiatives
• Support inbound freight optimization, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance activities
• Draft and manage service contracts, capital purchases, and procurement process improvements

Materials Management Responsibilities

• Lead materials management strategies to support production, forecasting accuracy, and inventory optimization
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on warehouse efficiency, material flow, inventory accuracy, and inbound logistics performance
• Manage supplier forecasting, stocking strategies, lead-time reduction, on-time delivery, and aged inventory reduction initiatives
• Support new product launches and supplier quality initiatives through cross-functional coordination and corrective action management
• Develop Supply Chain team members while driving accountability and continuous improvement

Experience

The successful candidate will bring a combination of strategic sourcing expertise, analytical capability, and operational leadership experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain & Operations Management or related field preferred 
• 5+ years of experience in materials management, planning, and strategic sourcing 
• APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) preferred 
• Demonstrated success leading supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives 
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and market analysis skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word, along with web-based systems and applications 

Personal Skills and Attributes

• Strong communication, organization, and decision-making skills
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and problem-solving abilities
• Collaborative relationship-builder with suppliers and cross-functional teams
• Results-driven mindset with a passion for continuous improvement

Requirements:

• In-office position based in Whitewater, WI. Must be able to be on site M-F during standard business hours (8-5)
• Ability to travel to our Burlington, WI, location as needed. 
• Domestic and international travel required to visit suppliers and company facilities 

Employee Benefits

• Competitive Salary 
• Medical, dental, disability, and life insurance 
• 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match 
• 10 paid holidays plus vacation time 
• Casual Dress Code 
• Free on-site health clinic with in-person and virtual appointments 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Growth-Oriented Company Culture: Korky University Training, Annual Professional Development, Weekly Mentoring Sessions 
• Fringe Benefits: Discounts for local businesses, company-wide events, and more 
• Defined Path for Career Development 
• Over 100-year-old, thriving, woman-owned and family-owned business 
• Made in USA Manufacturer