Materials Buyer

**Summary of Position:

**

The Materials Buyer has the primary responsibility of sourcing, procuring and managing materials to ensure material availability to support the production schedule. Other responsibilities include managing inventory levels, supporting material/product level revisions, interacting/coordinating with suppliers on a variety of topics, and supporting other business functions as required. Fast-paced work environment.

**Essential Functions:

**

• Place purchase orders with suppliers for the procurement of production material as required by forecast and the production schedule.

• Verify raw materials meet specified quality standards and contractual requirements

• Monitor status of open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery of all materials, including timely resolution, communication, and mitigation of future potential problems.

• Identify cost saving opportunities and monitor procurement costs to adhere to budgets

• Expedite or defer orders as required based on schedule/inventory changes determine and establish optimal inventory levels based on forecast, demand variation, and material lead times.

• Coordinate material flows throughout product/BOM changes, obsolescence, and the introduction of new suppliers and/or materials due to new product development.

• Manage the inter-company flow of materials between warehouse locations.

• Manage and resolve issues regarding PO to invoice discrepancies, returns and quality problems with suppliers.

• Provide back-up support for supply chain functions including shipping, receiving, material handling and other duties as assigned.

• Setup & maintain material master system planning parameters (MOQ, lead time, safety stocks).

• Collaborate with internal customers and provide a high level of customer service, including recommending solutions, resources, and alternative supply options.

• Ensure and promote compliance to Company and Procurement policies and procedures.

• Adhere to the TOMZ Quality Management System.

• Travel to MN location may be required

• Perform other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications:

**

• Applied knowledge of forecasting, MRP, transportation, supply chain, inventory management and warehousing disciplines.

• Proficient with MS Office suite – advanced skills with MS Excel.

• Strong sense of urgency & attention to detail.

• Ability to self-direct and take constructive action in ambiguous situations.

**Preferred Skills:

**

• Analytical with a methodical approach to problem solving.

• Experience establishing and employing demand-pull material planning methods.

• Able to influence others & manage conflict.

• Strong negotiation skills

• Excellent organization, communication, and follow-up skills.

• Extremely high standards of excellence.

**Education:

**

• BS/BA in Supply Chain, Business or equivalent combination of education and buyer experience.

• 3-5 years of experience in a Buyer/Planner/Material Scheduler role working for a direct manufacturer (required).

**Physical Requirements:

**

• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, and lift up to 30 pounds. Team lift or mechanical assistance required for objects over 30 pounds.

• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.

• Proficient use of a keyboard and mouse, requiring manual dexterity and coordination.

• Ability to focus on a computer screen and other visual tasks for prolonged periods, with appropriate vision

correction if needed.

You should be proficient in:

• ERP & MRP Systems
• Inventory Management & Control
• Sourcing and Procurement Experience