Purchasing Buyer

Department: Operations Job Status: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt Travel Required: Limited

Work Schedule: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Positions Supervised: None

Reports To: Purchasing Supervisor

General Description

This position is responsible for purchasing production materials and operating supplies for the Company. This includes preparing bid specifications, receiving bids and purchasing commodities while exercising judgment in purchasing decisions consistent with quality, price and delivery.

Principle Responsibilities

• Build professional business relationships with new and existing suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, timely delivery of goods, quality product, and supplier accountability.
• Communicate lead times for material requirements to assist Production Planners and Project Leaders in scheduling orders.
• Expedite and follow up on orders to ensure that materials are delivered to meet production schedules.
• Determine minimal buy quantities based on projected use and storage capacity.
• Work to maintain appropriate inventory levels, taking into consideration demand, resupply, delivery lead time, storage capacities, shelf life and cost.
• Be an effective team-player. Work cross-functionally with all MDI departments to ensure purchases are consistent with customer specifications.
• Provide backup to other Buyers in the department in their absence.
• Benchmark industry standards and best practices i.e. attend trade shows, trade magazines and industry trends to incorporate into MDI purchasing processes.
• May travel for supplier visit, if needed.
• Implement process improvement initiatives and document the standardization of processes.
• Exemplify a professional work demeanor, upholding the Company Core Values.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area and uphold a safe and healthy work environment for all.
• All other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Solid analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills, excelling in attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact in a professional manner with internal and external customers to foster a positive work environment.
• Ability to negotiate and make effective business decisions using solid deductive reasoning.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work to manage multiple projects effectively.

Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Materials and Logistics Management, Operations, Business Management or equivalent education and/or work experience.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of purchasing experience and supplier development, including MRPII (Materials Requirements Planning) background.
• Member of ISM (Institute for Supply Management, Southeast Michigan) a plus.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Knowledge of AS400/MacPac preferred.