Buyer

Summary

The Strategic Buyer identifies material and production requirements based on demand and safety stock plus coordinates activities involved with procuring goods and services for the organization. The role is responsible for management of both global and domestic supplier performance, as well as supplier negotiation. This person analyzes part status and reorders parts, runs MRP and understands supply and schedule requirements while optimizing inbound freight and logistic activities. Duties also include soliciting quotes, creating purchase orders, monitoring open purchase orders, and analyzing variances of quality, price, and delivery. This role will be responsible for managing the supply base and working with Planning, Manufacturing, and Customer Service to best serve our customer. The Strategic Buyer position also participates in continuous improvement activities and managing projects that correlate to Supply Chain improvements.

Essential Functions

Maintain materials to support on-time delivery and cost goals for business. This includes inventory management for spikes-in-demand, obsolescence, and prevention of excess inventory.

Place orders for raw materials and components with established or newly approved suppliers.

Contact suppliers for expedites, (facilitate communication) quality issues, past due shipments, and stock-outs. If Buyer / Planner cannot resolve issue with supplier in a reasonable time frame, problem will be escalated.

Own their portion of the SIOP (Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning) / Demand Planning process, particularly the Supply Planning

Timely review of MRP to identify production requirements and take appropriate action such as placing purchase orders and expediting when necessary.

Track supplier delivery to ensure on time delivery of key raw materials and components.

Identify and input into MRP system appropriate safety stock based on run rate, forecasts, supplier lead time, and supplier performance.

Input purchase orders into MRP system; reviews all pertinent information for accuracy.

Maintain accurate supplier lead times and negotiate supplier inventory where it makes sense.

Provide supplier communication to resolve issues with purchase orders and invoices.

Interacts with Receiving Inspection regarding non-conforming parts and process returns when necessary. Relays information on non-conforming parts to suppliers

Research global suppliers to find the optimal suppliers and identify cost reduction opportunities by working with a cross-functional team.

Management of both global and domestic supplier relationships

Optimization of inbound freight and logistic activities to ensure we are planning in the most economical manner.

Provide feedback on engineering change requests and ensure appropriate communication is provided to the affected suppliers. Including but not limited to providing updated engineering drawings when necessary.

Ability to travel to suppliers, both internationally and domestically, as required to support supplier relationships (20%)

Key Performance Indicators for this position include achieving product line on time delivery, year to year net material cost variance, reduction in supplier rejects, supplier OTD targets, and inventory turn targets.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

EDUCATION

• BA / BS degree in business or engineering field

EXPERIENCE

3+ years of experience in buying required, preferably in a manufacturing setting

Experience in purchasing low volume, high precision, engineered commodities preferred

C.P.M. or A.P.P. certification desired

Experience in MRP Systems desirable (JDE preferred)

Experience with Global Supply Chain Management

Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word and Outlook

COMPETENCIES

Strong negotiation and communication skills

Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills

Technical procurement and supplier validation skills

Manufacturing Understanding : Demonstrated understanding of key requirements in a manufacturing environment

Problem Solving and Analysis : The individual possesses the ability to complete detailed analysis of data sets and identify applicable solutions to varying problems.

Physical Environment and Environmental Factors

Approximately 15% of the time will be spent on the manufacturing floor

Lifting requirements are generally less than 25 lbs.

Lifting could occasionally reach the company maximum of 40 lbs

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

Total Rewards

The compensation range for this position is $57,900.00 - $86,900.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.

Benefits Package

Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include : Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page :