Buyer

Job Summary:

Primary responsibility is to provide tactical purchasing support for assigned value stream(s), ensuring production has the necessary materials to fulfill customer requirements, while ensuring materials, components, and services are purchased at optimal cost, quality, and delivery standards.

The role will interface with suppliers, engineering, quality, planning, inventory management and other operations personnel as required to meet and exceed operational goals.

This will require moderate independence, balancing day-to-day tactical buying with some strategic sourcing responsibilities.  This role will also manage supplier relationships for their assigned value stream(s).

Essential Functions*: 

• Generate correct and timely purchase orders to meet demand, based on MRP demand and/or independently generated purchase requisitions.
• Verifies nomenclature and specifications of purchase requests.
• Searches inventory records or warehouse to determine if material on hand is in sufficient quantity.
• Determine purchasing requirements and stocking levels for existing inventory components. 
• Manages “Hot Parts” as they arise
• Consults catalogs and interviews suppliers to obtain prices and specifications.
• Process purchase orders in ERP system and manage suppliers to ensure that all purchase order requirements are fully satisfied. 
• Maintain vendor contact with respect to the availability of materials and delivery time. 
• Handles and resolves customer/vendor problem resolution concerning late deliveries and maintains delivery information in the ERP system.
• Processes Kanban cards per approved process
• Compiles records of items purchased or transferred between departments, prices, deliveries, and inventories.
• Maintains min-max data and executes the procurement of material to satisfy requirements
• Ensure data accuracy (part numbers, Part Costs, delivery schedules, etc.) in MRP; resolve errors directly, or in cooperation with others.
• Set up and maintain ERP database for suppliers, products, pricing, commodity codes, as well as order status and delivery information. (Master records, BOM’s, component pricing, vendor details, etc. 
• In collaboration with Purchasing team, provide strategic analysis and recommendations to management for continuous improvement initiatives related to planning, purchasing, and inventory management and control.
• Minimize excess inventory. 
• Communicate with all departments regarding product availability.
• Escalate supplier or material risks proactively and propose alternative solutions.   
• Attend production planning meetings as needed and assist production department in shop floor control as required (control stock, drive cycle counts, etc.)
• Obtain and analyze quotes for new or modified items, assist in cost analysis and sourcing recommendations.
• Manage assigned supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and on-time delivery. 
• Participate in supplier meetings, audits and correction action reviews as needed
• Assist in developing and maintaining purchasing procedures and supplier scorecards
• Occasional travel required for supplier visits.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education / Training / Skills / Experience:  

• Associates degree with 4 years of experience OR 6 years of experience in a supply chain role involving; data analysis, purchase requisition and purchase order creation, supplier management, inventory management and planning. 
• APICS Certified a plus.
• Proficient with MS Office products, particularly Word and Excel required.
• Experience with ERP software required.
• Experience with supplier audits strongly preferred.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Demonstrated planning and organization skills; attention to details critical.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Presents numerical data effectively.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.     Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively with suppliers and/or internal customers.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• High level of initiative and strong work ethic.

Physical Requirements:

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to sit, occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms.
• Able to work in standard office environment and interface on manufacturing floor or shipping area.