Buyer

JOB SUMMARY:  Following established methods and procedures, is responsible for the procurement of materials, parts, equipment and supplies for the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Selects and orders merchandise from qualified sources of supply for most economical cost, giving full weight to competitive quotations, delivery needs, quality, dependability and reliability, and supplier resourcefulness in meeting company and/or customer requirements
• Purchases raw materials, semi-fabricated parts, components, equipment and supplies working from requisitions covering items and quantity required
• Interviews sales representatives; obtains quotations, prices and delivery promises
• Analyzes the requirements of the commodity, including preliminary specifications, preferred supplier, date needed for production and delivery schedules
• Implements purchase contracts that comply with company and governmental regulations
• Determines economic order quantity based on demand and inventory value and places orders to best advantage
• Confers with suppliers and vendors to resolve discrepancies such as adjustments, incorrect material or delivery problems, when suppliers are late or when delivery must be expedited
• Locates new sources of supply as necessary and keeps abreast of changing market and material conditions
• Recommends appropriate action to assure a continued flow of materials to meet production and sales requirements
• Manages adherence to quality and on-time delivery standards; assures that material is delivered on schedule at the negotiated price, and that materials meet quality standards
• Updates Materials Manager with current information on suppliers, such as trends, costs, responsiveness, etc.
• Coordinates appropriate methods to obtain and distribute components or commodities in cost-effective manner
• Maintains accurate and timely control of orders, amendments, shipping notices and other documents in compliance with company record retention procedures
• Immediately notifies Materials Manager and/or Plant Manager of problems, delays or unusual circumstances
• Authorizes payment of invoices or return of merchandise
• Participates in group meetings and performs other related duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to read and interpret documents written in English, including safety rules, business periodicals, policy and procedure manuals, and governmental regulations. 
• Ability to write business reports and correspondence. 
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively communicate with customers, suppliers, and other members of the organization.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure; compute rate, ratio and percent; capable of calculating figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Knowledge and use of computer to enter, manage and access data.
• Familiarity with Internet, Inventory and Manufacturing software, Order processing systems, Project Management software, Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.

 OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABBILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to change quickly.
• Responds promptly to customer needs (internal and external).
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition.
• Works independently and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Supports team philosophy.
• Utilizes time and resources effectively.
• Follows all safety and security procedures.
• Maintains an organized work area.
• Works to continuously improve processes and results.
• Supports company goals, objectives and values.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: 

CPM and APICS certification preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; reach with hands and arms; use hands and fingers; talk and hear.  The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Duties are performed in an office setting with typical office lighting, equipment and quiet noise level.