Associate Director of Buying

Position Summary

Responsible for providing oversight and management to the Procurement team. This position will ensure the ERP maintains a high level of data integrity, enabling the Procurement team to accurately plan and support the Reagent and Instrument manufacturing build plans. This position will manage the day-to-day procurement and demand planning activities by ensuring purchase orders and requisitions are created and expedited for raw materials, supplies, spare parts, and equipment. This position will also ensure change orders are approved and implemented, Non-Conformance Report tasks are completed in a timely manner, and Return to Vendor tasks are generated promptly. This position will oversee contractual requirements negotiated by the Purchasing team to ensure we meet the required agreement, including forecast creation, delivery, and last-time buys. This role will collaborate with internal departments, including Purchasing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Manufacturing, to develop effective business strategies that will be presented to all business partners as needed.

Primary Duties

• Perform all work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of buyer/demand planners to meet the company's objectives by ensuring
• on-time deliveries, vendor management, SAP best practices, and supporting cost reductions.
• Manage and prioritize focus and effort on objectives set by the company and senior management in
• supply chain and procurement.
• Manage the review of ERP inputs and outputs in SAP for accuracy.
• Track, analyze, and strategically set inventory levels to ensure that direct materials are available on time in full for production.
• Track and monitor inventory to ensure levels meet overall company requirements.
• Communicate anticipated materials shortages to Manufacturing and Site Supply Chain. Collaborate on a
• response plan to minimize supply impact and downtime in manufacturing.
• Assist with special projects as requested by Site Supply Chain leadership.
• Coordinate with Site Supply Chain Analyst to develop and track Procurement Key Performance Indicators.
• Oversee and approve purchase orders within approval limits. Review and approve change orders for new and updated raw materials.
• Manage return to vendor product, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain and improve SAP procurement processes and workflows, ensuring effective use of ERP and reporting tools.
• Develop the procurement forecast and yearly budgets in collaboration with management.
• Ensure buyers are fulfilling contractual obligations and supplier agreements are executed, including forecasts, last-time buys, and performance metrics.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in procurement by support both internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage Reagent, Instrument and Spare Parts Procurement teams. (~15 people directly and indirectly)
• May involve minimal travel within the US or internationally.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain or Operations Management
  • In lieu of bachelors degree, 4 years of additional relevant experience as defined below will be accepted
• 6 years of related experience in Supply Chain/Purchasing/Planning or Procurement including demonstrated ability to lead others
• 10 plus years related experience in Supply Chain/Purchasing/Planning or Procurement including demonstrated ability to lead others
• Electronic MRP/ERP experience required.
• SAP experience preferred.
• APICS and Lean Manufacturing experience preferred
• Demonstrated experience in improving manufacturing planning and scheduling systems required.
• Experience with FDA audits and Quality Standards (ISO13485, IS09001, 21 CFT part 820 preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and application procurement and purchasing best practices
• Knowledge and application of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
• Proficiency in electronic ERP and MRP systems
• Knowledge of FDA/ISO manufacturing environments and requirements
• Strategic planning agility associated with high-growth manufacturing environments
• Proficiency in reporting tools and knowledge of KPIs
• Proficiency Microsoft Office, including advanced knowledge of Excel
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail with proactive thinking skills
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and redirect priorities based on assessment of priority
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and collaboration skills
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, customers and the general public if required

• A choice of medical (including prescription), dental, and vision plans providing nationwide coverage and telemedicine options
• Company-Provided Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan including a generous non-discretionary employer contribution and employer match.
• Adoption Assistance
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter Benefits
• Various voluntary benefit offerings
• Discount programs
• Parental leaves