Associate Buyer

About the role

Supports the efficient supply of goods and materials globally. Develops and maintains positive relationships with the supply base. Focuses on customer, quality, cost, supply reliability, processes, and expanded sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Identify cost-efficient supply sources and assist leadership with negotiations and processes.
• Assist with developing recommendations to increase supply chain efficiencies related to sourcing.
• Assist with development and delivery of cost improvement targets.
• Maintain and report results of suppliers utilizing scorecards to improve quality performance.
• Identify areas for resolutions to quality, cost, and delivery issues with suppliers and resolve with assistance from leadership.
• Assure accuracy of purchasing-related master data in SAP and in other systems.
• Evaluate and provide feedback regarding demand forecast on purchased products.
• Provide recommendations to assure supply base is positioned to meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Travel to supplier sites in and outside of the U.S.
• Support inter-department efforts (Production, PIC, Quality, Cost improvement, I.S., New Product Development, Accounting, etc.) as needed.
• Optimize SAP application for purchasing and related accounting (A.P.) functions.
• Complete required supplier audits and inspections.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, supply chain management, or other related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the position functions of the job.
• One or more years of manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain management, or other related experience.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of business finance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One or more years of MRP/ERP system experience (SAP preferred).

Skills

• Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies.
• Makes sound decisions based on analysis, discussion, experience, and judgment.
• Demonstrated team player with active participation in meetings.
• Strong planning and project management skills.
• Strong ability to transition efficiently from working independently to working collaboratively.
• Anticipates emerging and future trends accurately based on broad knowledge and perspective.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization and with customers.
• Develops and maintains interpersonal relationships.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Strong use of Microsoft products, including Word, Outlook, and Excel, and related industry applications.
• Understand and comply with Mueller Quality System and current regulatory requirements.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid government-issued passport.
• Responsible for appropriately protecting the confidentiality, security, and integrity of the organization’s systems and data as well as client data.

Physical Requirements

• Ordinary ambulatory skills; ability to stand or sit, bend or stoop, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light weights of up to 20 pounds.
• Good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate office equipment, and read.
• Frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.
• Frequent typing required.
• Occasional business travel, including operation of a motor vehicle, domestic and international travel.