Water treatment plant operator Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Plant Buyer

The Plant Buyer is responsible for developing supplier relationships, leading sourcing and negotiation activities, and driving measurable cost savings while ensuring continuity of supply for manufacturing operations. This role combines strategic sourcing, supplier management, and transactional purchasing, working closely with Planning, Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to optimize cost, quality, delivery performance, and supply continuity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute strategic sourcing and tactical buying activities, including supplier selection, RFQs/RFPs, bid analysis, negotiations, purchase order placement, and follow-through through payment.
• Manage procurement of raw materials, non-production materials, and services supporting manufacturing operations.
• Negotiate and administer supplier contracts, pricing agreements, and commercial terms.
• Collaborate with Planning, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and other internal stakeholders to support material availability, new material introductions, and supplier changes.
• Identify and recommend alternate sources of supply to mitigate risk and support business continuity.
• Manage assigned supplier portfolio and spend categories, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and commercial improvement.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost; drive corrective actions as needed.
• Analyze supply risks related to capacity, lead times, and demand changes, and proactively communicate potential issues.
• Support supplier audits, quality claims coordination, and resolution of delivery or performance issues.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, documentation, and supplier records within the ERP system.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in sourcing processes, supplier performance, and cost management.
• Deliver annual cost reduction and cost avoidance initiatives through supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing activities, supplier consolidation, value engineering, and supplier performance improvement efforts.
• Handle daily procurement tasks such as contract signing, PO placement, delivery follow-up, goods receipt, invoice reconciliation, payment application, data archiving, etc.

Experiences/Education - Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum 3-5 years of procurement, sourcing, supplier management, commodity management, or strategic purchasing experience with demonstrated success negotiating commercial agreements and delivering measurable cost savings.
• Demonstrated history of supplier negotiations resulting in cost reduction, cost avoidance, improved commercial terms, or supply chain risk mitigation.
• Solid understanding of procurement processes, supply continuity, and supplier management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, plant-based environment.
• Experience working within an ERP system (SAP preferred).

Experiences/Education - Preferred:

• Experience managing spend categories, direct materials sourcing, supplier scorecards and cost reduction projects.
• Experience with global manufacturing and business through work or project experience.
• Experience sourcing direct materials, indirect materials, or a combination of both.
• Exposure to manufacturing industries such as solar, renewable energy, electronics, glass, automotive, chemicals, or similar.
• Experience supporting cost reduction initiatives and supplier performance improvement efforts.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), APICS or certification related to Supply Chain.
• Green Belt Certification.

Additional Skills & Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative, proactive approach with internal and external stakeholders.
• Comfortable balancing day-to-day purchasing needs with longer-term sourcing activities.
• Experience working across multiple businesses, division and/or technologies.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $69,318.00 - $95,313.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

Corning offers you the total package. Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one. Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win. As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay. Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.