Position Summary:
The buyer manages expenditures for materials and/or services to support the company's purchasing programs. The buyer is responsible for source selection and procurement functions directly associated with the company's needs for indirect materials and services, fixed assets and tooling, and select production materials and services. These products and services are to be secured at cost quality and at delivery competitive levels consistent with company policy and performance standards.
Main Responsibilities:

1. Initiates purchase orders and amendments for parts, services and/or special tools; arranges for submission and inspection of sample products as required; maintains close coordination with plant engineering to ensure timely execution of product and services sourcing activities.
2. Secures and analyzes quotations, negotiates prices and terms with suppliers, and recommends suppliers with respect to cost, quality and delivery competitiveness for assigned responsibilities.
3. Interviews and confers with current and prospective suppliers to determine supply capabilities, transportation logistics inventory control and management; negotiates prices and delivery terms with guidance from a senior buyer or the director of purchasing for assigned responsibilities.
4. Work closely with manufacturing, shipping/receiving, and other personnel to avoid any adverse production impact from supplier delivery delays.

Requested Knowledge, Competencies and Abilities:

1. Requires a general understanding of supply chain management, competitive analysis, cost analysis, cost avoidance and reduction, negotiation, commodity knowledge, information systems / commerce, and procure to invoice.
2. College Degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
3. High School diploma or GED Required.
4. Minimum of 2 years of experience in Purchasing, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
5. Strong knowledge of industry best practices.
6. Excellent negotiating skills.
7. Excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication skills and teamwork skills.
8. Must be able to make independent decisions/judgments regarding analysis of requirements, analysis of quotes, negotiation and source selection.
9. Solid understanding of/experience with MS Office.

Work Environment
This job operates in an office environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to shop elements such as noise, dust, fumes and odors. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Mersen is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to a diverse work force and a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.