Job Purpose
The purpose of this position is to ensure we have a source of supply for all materials the plant needs to produce customer orders at a competitive price point, maintain our supplier relationships and help drive cost-reduction projects. This position will also work on a variety of continuous improvement projects to help the facility improve operations.
Key Job Functions/Duties
The Buyer will be responsible for the following:
- Source new parts as needed through new product development efforts, adjustments to existing products, or the need to change suppliers.
- Work directly with Engineering on NPD projects.
- Ensure a competitive bidding process is utilized when processing all purchase requisitions to ensure we pay the most competitive price possible.
- Work on a variety of cost-reduction projects.
- Manage pricing loaded in the ERP system.
- Manage the supply base relationship.
- Pull selected supplier performance data monthly, communicate results with suppliers and if needed work with suppliers to improve performance.
- Provide forecasting to suppliers as needed.
- Pull, review, and take the appropriate actions for PPV reports monthly.
- Help set up new consignment and/or VMI programs as needed.
- Work on continuous improvement projects as needed.
- Help resolve invoice discrepancies with suppliers.
- Assist the plant with returns/debits as needed.
- Assist in reducing the excess and obsolescence report as needed.
- Help launch new programs with the ERP system that affect our material processes as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, & Experience Required
- Bachelor’s Degree or three years experience in a purchasing-related field, preferably in manufacturing.
- Experience with MRP systems is required.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of how to collect data in order to effectively negotiate the best price possible.
- Complex problem-solving and critical thinking skills are required.
- Experience with Kanban and VMI programs preferred.
- Continuous Improvement and Root Cause Analysis experience preferred.
- Demonstrated effective problem-solving skills. Able to understand complex issues and provide appropriate, effective solutions.
- Anticipates internal customer needs accurately and quickly establishes creditability with internal customers.
- Proven success as a team member, collaborating, cross-functionally, and participating in diverse thinking.
- Ability to achieve goals through influencing others.
- Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Strong ability to analyze data from various systems to get to opportunity/root cause.
- Works with integrity and respect displaying a high degree of tact and diplomacy.
- Must have the ability to effectively handle multiple tight timeline situations.
- Flexible and a strong willingness to adapt and be an advocate for change.
- Ability to work through multiple obstacles to complete daily tasks.
