Sourcing Specialist - Buying/Procurement

SUMMARY OF POSITION 

The Buyer is responsible for managing outside processes and materials within the manufacturing area and ensuring vendors and suppliers are being properly managed.  This position is also responsible for cost improvement initiatives and will be evaluating, tracking and implementing cost savings for supplies, tooling, outside processes, etc. across the procurement function.

This position is in Northstar’s Procurement Department, and reports to the Planning and Scheduling Manager in the Supply Chain Group.  The position works with all levels of employees throughout the organization as necessary but does not directly or indirectly supervise any other employees.  This is a full-time position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position are listed below.  This list is not all inclusive and may be amended by Northstar, from time to time.

• Direct the work of entire team of vendors & suppliers in Chicago facility with a heavy focus on Outside Processing and MRO
• Serve as main point of contact for any vendor or supplier-related inquiries and/or issues including follow-up for corrections or documentation issues with certifications, shipping paperwork, etc.
• Monitor vendor/supplier performance and participate in identifying vendor/supplier performance improvement activities (including on time delivery and quality)
• Research supply base for vendors/suppliers to ensure appropriate (i.e. approved / customer directed) vendors/suppliers are being used, utilizing competitive quotes ensuring that the business gets the quality product/service, within the expected lead-time, at the best cost
• Act on cost-saving initiatives through negotiating and re-sourcing activities
• Responsible for internal communications regarding vendor/supplier performance
• Monitor receipt of product and ensure on time delivery
• Support the dock with logistics for outside processes and customer deliveries
• Contact vendors and suppliers to ensure that business needs are met, including re-arranging priorities and expediting, as necessary 
• Process requests for quotes and requisitions in a timely and accurate manner
• Work with finance team to address issues related to vendor/supplier payments
• Work with engineering and quality to ensure proper technical flow downs
• Analyze and identify opportunities to consolidate, turn over and control inventory of consumable tools and supplies in tool crib and vending working closely with engineering, CI and operations team
• Support continuous improvement efforts in procurement processes and documentation
• Maintain personnel relations consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements, as applicable

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not directly supervise other employees; however, this position will direct the work of all suppliers in the Phoenix facility.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The physical requirements of this position are listed below.   This list is not all inclusive and may be amended by Northstar, from time to time.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, writing and typing
• Occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds
• Occasional reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, twisting, bending and repetitive motion
• Frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles
• Frequent exposure to moderate to heavy noise
• The ability to wear proper personal protective equipment, including earplugs, safety glasses, safety shoes, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED                                  

Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent experience. 

Experience Required: Minimum of 5 year’s purchasing experience in manufacturing environment.  Aerospace and machine shop experience is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED AND/OR PREFERRED

The knowledge, skills and abilities required and/or preferred for this position are listed below.  This list is not all inclusive and may be amended by Northstar, from time to time.

• Must be able to work with minimal supervision
• Must have proficient computer skills, especially with MS Group office Excel and Word
• Comfortable learning and using ERP systems (CSI/Infor/SyteLine experience is a plus)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively to various levels within the organization as well as to external customers and vendors
• Excellent organizational skills
• Must be detailed oriented and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment
• Reacts well under pressure
• Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events

Salary : $78,760 - $118,030