Buyer

The buyer is responsible for all purchasing-related functions that support production and administrative needs. This could include researching item selections, taking inventory of current supplies/product, maintaining proper inventory levels of supplies as needed/required for manufacturing needs, and collaborating with all suppliers to meet the production plan needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct inventory of supplies or work with supervision/managers to determine which products need ordered
• Track the purchase order’s progress after placement
• Work with all suppliers to ensure timely delivery of product and supplies
• Email purchase orders to suppliers - this involves determining delivery dates for product needed from suppliers, updating, and emailing of purchase orders
• Collaborate with supervisors/managers to stay within department budgets
• Communicate current and future (forecasted) needs to suppliers
• Maintain accurate purchase order records within business system
• Work with shipping material handlers and/or shipping supervisor to prioritize shipments to suppliers, if necessary
• Supervision of truck driver(s)
• Supervision of raw material inventory and raw material area
• Function as a Designated Employer Representative (DER) for DOT Drug testing compliance (if/when applicable)
• Attend daily leadership meeting to communicate delivery issues from suppliers
• Determine truckloads to expeditiously keep product flow to and from secondary suppliers when necessary – this may include arranging trucking externally to deliver or pick up at designated suppliers, or pre-planning box truck trips to maximize product movement and keep driver’s hours within allowable timeframe
• Follow established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies
• Ensure work areas are clean, sanitary, and safe
• Report all work-related accidents/incidents to supervisor no matter how minor
• Wear personal protection equipment in required specified areas, which may include any of the following, safety glasses with side shields, hearing protection and gloves
• Perform specific tasks and assignments in accordance with established policies and procedures and as instructed by supervisor(s)
• Notify supervisor(s) according to procedures when you will be late or absent from work
• File complaints/grievances with supervisor(s) according to procedures

OTHER:

Duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

• Enthusiastic and excellent communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Organization and prioritization skills
• Strong people skills to collaborate with team members and suppliers
• Negotiation skills to collaborate with suppliers and make better deals for the company
• An understanding of purchase order software platforms
• Good diligence to ensure all purchase orders are accurate
• Ability to collaborate with a team
• Math skills to make sure all calculations are correct and avoid any unforeseen losses for the company
• IT skills to troubleshoot essential computer programs
• Computer literate, keyboarding skills
• Intermediate computer skills (Outlook, Excel, Etc.)
• 3-5 years of experience in a similar role preffered
• Experience in a lean manufacturing environment a plus