Job Summary:

The Purchasing Specialist position is responsible for the continuous supply and timely purchase of consumable materials, supplies and services for assigned commodities/vendors to support the production at our multiple manufacturing sites. The Purchasing Specialist will be responsive to the needs of internal customers and external suppliers and will become familiar with standard processes, standard costs, and procedures within assigned commodities. The Purchasing Specialist will rely on experience, ethics, and sound business judgement to plan and accomplish goals/tasks.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop, lead and execute purchasing strategies including Kanban systems
• Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness
• Seek and partner with reliable vendors and suppliers
• Negotiates with vendors for goods and services, negotiate the best possible price and services.
• Maintain healthy relationships with vendors and coworkers.
• Establishes account/credit and terms
• Fulfill material requisitions from other departments to acquire required goods or services
• Complies with safety and guidelines on business ethics
• Develops and tracks key supplier scorecards
• Track costs savings provided to the company
• Maintain continuous material availability and manage inventories to maximize business efficiencies
• Collect and begin the invoice process, submit to accounting with appropriate paperwork
• Resolve any receiving issues (discrepancies, incorrect paperwork, etc.) with suppliers and Accounting, expedite/follow through on receipt and payment and reconcile invoicing issues

Qualifications:

• Plan and purchase material requirements based on analysis of ERP reports and forecasts to determine demand and optimal order quantity, per product specifications (forecasting)
• Organized individual with good time management skills.
• Works closely with others, accuracy of information gathered is important
• Continuously develop and maintain market and technical knowledge
• Analyze price trends and assess their impact on future activities
• Communicate effectively with suppliers, problem-solve challenges and issues, recommend solutions and monitor supplier performance, ensuring that a level of quality consistent with company standards is maintained
• Monitor and disposition of obsolete materials, excess material, scrap and supplier returns Must be able to communicate professionally in small group settings
• Must be able to handle stress and perform under pressure

Education/Experience:

• High school or equivalent
• 2 years of proven working experience as a purchasing agent or Purchasing/Buyer - preferred

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Perform job duties in an office environment by operating basic office equipment; scanner, copier, desktop computer, and phone.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear, repetitive.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and stoop.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 5 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled.