The Shepherd Color Company is a leading global producer of complex inorganic color pigments. Our color pigments are an extraordinary class of inorganic pigments that offer stable, long-lasting color for many applications. They have unbeatable weatherability, heat and chemical resistance, are non-warping and easy to disperse. Our products can be found everywhere, from the non-stick surface of your favorite cookware to adding color and IR reflectivity to roofing and siding to help keep buildings cool.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio (West Chester) with sales offices in Belgium, Australia, Japan, and China, along with our global distributors, we supply millions of pounds annually of our high-quality pigments and support our customers around the world. Our success has been built upon the fundamental belief that promoting people of exemplary character, doing quality work, and offering differentiated products, Shepherd Color brightens lives.

The Tactical Buyer is responsible for executing the purchasing process to create value and achieve the Core Purposes of the company – Great Place to Work, Long Term Profitable Growth, Provide World Class Customer Satisfaction, and Have a Positive Impact on the Communities and Society. You will do this by purchasing materials and services needed by the organization, planning and scheduling, and inventory and master data stewardship.

Job Responsibilities:

• Contribute to supply chain activities via purchasing of required materials - working closely with Supply Chain, Raw Materials, and Operations to procure the desired material and quantity required. 
• Responsible for inventory stock levels and related supply chain master data.
• Contribute to and evolve our Vendor Management Program.
• Support and strengthen relationships with vendors: provide volume projections, increase market intelligence, and maintain competitive pricing
• Build and execute Purchase Plans for assigned categories, evolving as factors and markets change.
• Provide professional procurement support to the entire company.
• Participate in negotiations with strategic vendors and large dollar contracts.
• Actively contribute to Risk Management assessment & mitigation processes.
• Optimize available ERP and software solutions.
• Actively participate within the Purchasing group to set, monitor, and achieve the department goals, metrics and focus means.
• Advise and sometimes implement opportunities for improvement in the procurement function for efficiencies and accuracy
• Understand commercial business terms and concepts.
• Minimize freight, warehousing, and related expenses. 

Education/Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management or equivalent education in technical field or business
• One (1) to three (3) years of purchasing, or equivalent, experience in a manufacturing company is preferred

Required Skills

• Technical aptitude – demonstrated ability to understand Shepherd raw material and packaging specifications and requirements
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills – able to make presentations and conduct verbal and written negotiations with suppliers
• Demonstrated computer skills – Microsoft Office, SharePoint
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational problem solving / conflict resolution skills
• Strong organizational skills – able to manage multiple priorities at once
• Excellent interpersonal skills for building vital supplier relationships
• Effective communication skills to shape firm internal customer relationships with other departments
• “Whatever it takes” attitude to satisfy key internal customers

Desired Skills

• Previous work with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software – SAP preferred
• Experience with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems
• Postsecondary chemistry coursework

Benefits

Full-time team members receive:

• Competitive Pay
• Health and Life Insurance (eligibility date of hire)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company 401K Contribution (eligibility date of hire)
• Company Bonus eligibility
• Fitness Membership subsidy
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Career Development

Work Environment

At times, you will be exposed to cold or hot, dusty and noisy surroundings.

EEO Statement

The Shepherd Material Science Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 or over), disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.