Description
We're looking for a hands-on Commodity Buyer to own US purchasing for two of Hal Leonard's core direct-material categories: Sheet Music and Musical Instruments. This is a newly structured seat under our Global Purchasing function — the first of a new model where each buyer owns a defined set of commodities end-to-end, rather than a single narrow category.
We are actively integrating AI and automation into all areas of the business and expect candidates with a mindset focused on improving efficiency and delivering a better user experience.
Key responsibilities
- Own US Sheet Music and Musical Instruments direct-material purchasing end-to-end — supplier landscape, sourcing, POs, order confirmations, master data and price files for both categories.
- Document and stabilise the inherited MI category first — rebuild supplier contacts, open POs, terms and product knowledge into a clean, shared record (not one person's head).
- Bring Sheet Music buying (paper, print, binding) into the same structure — one owned category with documented suppliers and terms.
- Protect US direct-material supply into the holiday peak — no availability gaps on either category attributable to the handover.
- Work AI-first — operate the tiered approval model, feed the spend cube, use automated PO/confirmation workflows rather than manual handling.
- Negotiate and consolidate — standard terms, framework agreements and a tidier supplier base; support the Global Purchasing Manager's savings target on these commodities.
- Feed the ERP transition (NetSuite track) so US direct-material procurement requirements are captured, not bolted on later.
- Report performance into the Global Purchasing Manager / operations leadership.
Requirements
- 4–7+ years in direct-material purchasing / buying / commodity management, ideally across more than one commodity — this role runs two (Sheet Music and Musical Instruments).
- Hands-on ownership of the full buy cycle: sourcing, PO management, order confirmation, supplier communication, master-data hygiene.
- AI-comfort as a must, not a footnote — sees AI-assisted approval and automated PO workflows as leverage; can judge what to automate vs. keep human.
- Strong supplier-negotiation instinct; a track record of documented savings or supplier consolidation.
- Discipline with data — clean records, accurate price files, no "it's all in my head" working.
Nice to have:
- Direct-material category experience in paper / print, publishing, or musical instruments.
- Prior purchasing inside an ERP migration (NetSuite a plus).
- Bachelor's in Business, Supply Chain or related; CPSM / CPM.
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