What are the responsibilities and job description for the International Buyer position at Shimadzu U.S.A. Manufacturing, Inc.?

General Position Summary:

This position is responsible for international purchasing of production materials from Shimadzu Corporation and other international sources and other general purchasing duties. Materials will be purchased from international sources, with English and Japanese-language contacts.

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:

1) Acts as a liaison to Shimadzu Corporation for pricing, international purchasing and similar matters within the scope of responsibility.

2) Negotiates competitive prices and aggressively pursues price reductions from vendors for products and services; ensures vendors meet the quality standards.

3) Places timely purchase orders and performs accurate data entry into the ERP system (Syteline).

4) Coordinates component specification and service specification packages to ensure vendors receive complete information with which to work.

5) Coordinates technical information flow with vendors to ensure vendors have current component specifications, drawings, service specification packages, and technical information or requirements.

6) Assists in planning the procurement of parts and resources.

7) Translates ERP system generated requirements and procures components, assemblies, supplies, raw materials and equipment, as necessary.

8) Gives timely information regarding specific part numbers to other functional groups, as requested. (materials, manufacturing, accounting, etc.).

9) Compiles and enters data into computer to maintain inventory, purchasing, shipping, or other records.

10) Compiles material control records and information such as consumption rate, characteristics of items in storage, and current market conditions to meet material supply and need for replenishment.

11) Maintains effective communications with vendors and contacts, including phone, fax, e-mail and continuous follow up.

12) Helps coordinate processing Non-Conformance Reports (NCR’s). Assists in tracking and arranging the return and receipt of non-conforming materials and products.

13) Confers with appropriate supervisors and colleagues to meet production schedules.

14) Accountable for on time delivery, quality performance, continuous and reliable flows of materials.

15) Assists manager in periodic reporting key performance data to Factory Manager.

16) Produces appropriate reports, forms and documentation including quarterly cost roll.

17) Develops and maintains a filing, reporting and information system for pertinent materials, inventory, purchasing, shipping or other records.

18) Interfaces and maintains effective business relations with a variety of industries, in various countries with English and Japanese-language contacts, which supply necessary parts, components, and services.

19) Assists team members with various tasks.

Secondary Functions:

1) Performs duties in support of the company’s certifications (example: ISO and FDA/QSR).

2) Maintains a safe and clean work environment.

3) Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Scope/Demands & Complexity:

Recurring work situations with occasional variation from the norm
Job involves high degree of complexity
Operates independently and from established purchasing procedures and processes
Operates under minimal level of supervision

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Interpersonal Contacts:

Contacts will be:

with others both inside and outside the company

with other departments and representatives from parent company and sister companies

face to face, via email and over the telephone

A professional appearance and communication is required at all times as appropriate for business purposes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1) Knowledge of current practices and principals of purchasing and inventory control

2) Knowledge of international procurement practices, international shipping

3) Ability to review component drawings or specification documents

4) Strong written, verbal communication and comprehension skills in English with an interest in the Japanese language

5) Ability to produce clear, concise reports and proposals in English.

6) High competency in manufacturing software (ERP/MRP)) MS Word and MS Excel

7) Ability to effectively maintain business relations with international companies in English

8) Decision-making and use of discretion

9) Performing basic math and knowledge of currency exchange rates

10) Work independently and as a member of a team

11) Communicate effectively and understand, read, write, and speak English

12) Treat others respectfully and exhibit good interpersonal skills

13) Make routine decisions effectively

14) Ask for guidance and assistance where needed

15) Meet deadlines and production goals

16) Prioritize and handle multiple, concurrent projects or assignments

17) Follow all policies, procedures and guidelines

18) Work safely and handle all materials and substances as required for safety

Job Conditions:

Primary exposure to office environment with frequent exposure to production and warehouse environments.

Extensive computer work.

Working a minimum of 40 hours per week is expected, but work volume may require working more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week to complete essential duties of the job.

Physical Requirements:

Constant: Sitting, talking, hearing/listening, repetitive use of hands, wrists and fingers for writing and keyboarding. Occasional: Walking, standing, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying 35 lbs. or less. Visual acuity to be able to read printed documents and computer screens.

Education and/or Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent - required.
Associate or bachelor’s degree with emphasis in Purchasing, Business Management, or related field - preferred
Minimum 5 years of procurement work experience - required
International transportation and logistics knowledge - preferred
Negotiation experience is not required but preferred
NAPM or APICS certification - preferred
Bilingual (Japanese) -preferred