Associate Buyer

The Associate Buyer is responsible for maintaining and implementing corporate procurement for the availability of materials, supplies, equipment, and services. This position requires considerable contact and collaboration with business representatives and key stakeholders across the organization.

Essential Functions:

• Creates POs as necessary to procure goods or services and monitors POs for accuracy and completeness in accordance with Purchase Order processes and procedures.
• Follows directions of the Lead Purchasing Agent/Buyer Manager to assist in the administration of supplier management within the system and organization.
• Performs vendor and market research to identify potential suppliers and industry trends as needed to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency.
• Works directly with suppliers to ensure accuracy of pricing and payment terms.
• Assists with resolving discrepancies between POs and invoices.
• May meet with suppliers regularly and/or with internal stakeholders to review performance and address any issues.
• Reviews various purchasing reports and takes action to ensure errors are corrected.
• Participates in meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc., for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Participates as a team player within the Procurement Department.

• May perform other duties as assigned.

   

Qualifications:

• Minimum Required: High School Diploma; College Degree preferred (combinations of education and experience considered).
• 1 to 3 years of business experience (purchasing preferred).
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in the application of purchasing procedures and policies.
• Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills, a good understanding of sourcing, and the ability to maintain vendor relationships.
• Computer literacy with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with JDE/Oracle purchasing system preferred.
• Experience in construction, aggregate, heavy equipment, and mining products preferred.

• Proven ability to manage and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors, as well as collaborate with other corporate positions (CFO, Controllers, Divisional Leadership, Department Managers, and Plant Superintendents).

   

Personal Characteristics and Competencies:

• Proactive customer service orientation.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Able to handle stress, interact positively both orally and in writing with others, attend work punctually, and work overtime when required.
• Must possess strong attention to detail and good organizational skills with the ability to ensure accurate work.
• Entrepreneurial spirit combined with prudence (i.e., consideration of long-term risks and opportunities). Highly developed organizational influence and negotiation skills.
• Strong people and culture manager with a track record of building bench strength, leading leaders, and maximizing the impact of the organization.
• A self-confident, proactive professional who can successfully lead in a fast-changing business environment.
• Tough-minded with the courage of convictions to drive critical strategies and programs through to completion.
• A change agent willing to take measured risks and who is committed to delivering on commitments to the organization.
• Personal and professional alignment with NESL's Cultural Goals:
  • Focus & Integrity to Do What's Right
  • Know the Numbers, Know the Business
  • Embrace Change
  • Intentionally Collaborative