Material Planner & Buyer

If you're looking for a collaborative work environment with an established organization that also offers great employee benefits and career advancement opportunities, then we invite you to consider applying for a position with SURTECO.

SURTECO specializes in the production and sale of laminates, foils and vinyl-coated fabrics. Our technologies, products and services deliver distinctive performance features, thus helping to support our Customers’ reputations for trusted brands around the globe and in a wide variety of markets.

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about joining a team in the manufacturing of high quality laminates and films used in a variety of applications including on cabinetry in kitchen and bath applications, countertops and paneling in recreational vehicles and in the enhancement of interior retail spaces.

The Material Planner/Buyer represents SURTECO as an authorized agent and primary contact in transactions involving the acquisition of materials, equipment, and services from external vendors for plant site operations. The Material Planner/Buyer manages daily procurement activities to ensure smooth and efficient supply chain operation. This role involves ordering materials, tracking deliveries and maintaining inventory levels to support the organization’s operational requirements and ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Development, negotiation, and administration of Purchase Orders and Requests for Proposals in compliance with legal, technical, and corporate requirements
• Assurance of competitive cost, quality, and appropriate service levels for assigned procurement responsibility for goods & services
• Primary point of contact on vendor relations necessary to supply the plant effectively and efficiently
• Work closely with plant production staff to manage requirements and ensure uninterrupted plant operation
• Understand vendor capabilities, explore opportunities for alternative sources, and make recommendations to reduce cost, optimize inventory and increase cash flow
• Work closely with Supply Chain, Production, R&D, Technical Engineering, SH&E, Marketing and Sales personnel to resolve problems with supply, suppliers, and transportation providers.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Analytical skills: Buyer will be working with multiple vendors to determine best options and will need to evaluate pros and cons of each based on price, quality, speed of delivery and economic factors
• Knowledge and experience with ERP systems and Microsoft applications including PowerPoint, Word, Excel
• Knowledge and experience utilizing SAP
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills (written and verbal)
• Freedom to travel as required to Surteco HQ, suppliers, other corporate sites, etc.
• Excellent skills in: problem solving, facilitation, troubleshooting, negotiation, multi-tasking, project management
• Must be a strong leader and advocate for safety, driving a safety culture in a positive manner
• Must be watchful and highly vigilant, maintaining high ethical standards
• Able work collaboratively and demonstrate effective listening skills
• Attention to detail will be critical to making sure all issues are addressed effectively
• Knowledge of DOT/Hazmat requirements
• Knowledge of Chemical logistics via Rail, ISO, and Tanker

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Economics
• At least 3 years experience in Supply Chain or Purchasing

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds as needed
• Frequently positions self to use/maintain personal protective equipment
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Comfortable with working in a manufacturing environment alongside machines, equipment, etc.
• Ability to detect, distinguish, or determine the source of a smell
• Exposure or works around chemical processing, unregulated temperature, dusty conditions

Travel Requirements:

Time spent away from home or typical office location.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% or more

Company Statement:

SURTECO is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to providing equal access to employment. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage all applicants to apply. In addition, the health and safety of those who contribute to business development is a priority. Open dialogue with our employees is a matter of course, and the further development of their knowledge is a special concern. We enable them to find the right balance between personal and professional life.

DISCLAIMER:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, success profile characteristics or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the Job at any time.