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Sr. Buyer / Category Leader

Libbey
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 2 Feb 2026

About the role

At Libbey, we are MAKERS. No matter what you do at Libbey, you contribute to the making of the finest glass and tabletop products in the world. At Libbey, your valuable impact makes a difference and together we live our legacy while shaping our future to win as one!

LIBBEY: For Makers, By Makers. Since 1818!


Libbey is hiring a Sr. Buyer / Category Leader to join our manufacturing purchasing team. This position is based at Libbey’s Toledo Manufacturing Facility, which operates 24/7. Employees are required to work onsite and be flexible to serve the business, as needs arise.
The Sr. Buyer / Category Leader prepares, evaluates and negotiates bid packages for the categories of responsibility assigned. These categories will include packaging, corporate services and MRO. Day-to-day the Sr. Buyer / Category Leader will manage key supplier relationships, review incoming complex agreements, negotiate changes and execute amendments to agreements. This person will also manage the RFP process, prepare bid proposal requests and review proposals with end users for review and consensus approval.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manage key supplier and internal customer relationships
• Identify and define Libbey facility internal requirements for materials or services for packaging, corporate services & MRO categories
• Prioritize projects and actions needed to execute cost savings and value sourcing, which will ensure that Libbey facility departments receive required needs
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure sourcing strategies align with the company’s overall business goals and needs
• Engage in upfront involvement of projects, renewal of existing agreements, or new opportunities to help in the commercial portion of any contract
• Establish and execute cost control and cost reduction initiatives
• Optimize and validate supply base through the leveraging and consolidation of spends
• Implement sourcing strategies to consolidate spend across domestic plants where applicable
• Understand and comply with established Libbey Purchasing Procedures
• Assist in establishing and attaining departmental goals and metrics and effectively communicate to the department staff and other affected departments
• Lead, influence and empower the organization to fulfill our purpose (living our legacy, shaping our future, and winning as one)
• Cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture where associates can thrive, make us better and fuel ideas/innovations to ensure our long-term success
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5+ years of purchasing experience
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proven ability to work effectively independently, and with a team, to accomplish goals and objectives
• Proficiency with PC’s and Microsoft Office required
• Proven negotiation skills
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Frequent sitting, using hands/fingers to operate office tools
• Frequent speaking/listening in face-to-face and/or phone conversations
• Occasional standing/walking in glass production environment
• Occasional reaching above shoulders, stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching
• Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 40 pounds
• Close-up vision necessary
• Occasional domestic travel required
• Adhere to safety requirements, including proper wearing of PPE as necessary, at all times
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS
• Take Control: ask for the direction and support you need to attain mastery of your objectives and ownership of your professional development.
• Be Engaged & Committed: lean in to learn, engage, and contribute, resulting in increased performance and personal satisfaction from your work.
• Be Accountable: hold yourself responsible for achieving your goals and successfully executing against the organization's initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Act with curiosity, proactively identifying and implementing changes to enhance work processes and outcomes. Consistently seek opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and overall effectiveness.


Libbey is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer.
We are committed to an inclusive workplace, free of harassment and discrimination.

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Company

Libbey

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