Associate Buyer

Purchasing Overview

The position is responsible for purchasing various materials and services for the respective facility, ensuring the most economical advantage to the company.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares and issues Request for Quotes for requisitioned materials.
• Prepares bid comparisons and obtains technical bid evaluations where required.
• Processes purchase orders in SAP for raw materials, packaging, operating supplies, maintenance materials, storeroom materials, contract services, capital project equipment, and capital project services as assigned.
• Purchases materials and services for the Plant in a manner that assures the most economical advantage to the Company.
• Expedites orders that are critical to the operation of the Plant and those orders that are behind schedule.
• Aids in preparing and maintaining Preferred Vendor File based on previous cost, quality of service, reliability, and types of goods and materials.
• Aids Accounting in resolving purchase/billing discrepancies; assists warehouse stores and other departments in expediting, scheduling, contracts, and specifications.
• Ensures that purchases comply with current D.O.A.
• Ensures that all purchasing activities performed comply with corporate and plant purchasing and accounting guidelines.
• Contacts vendors, contractors, and engineering firms to obtain quotes, delivery schedules, and terms of payment. When appropriate, negotiates discounts, delivery schedules, and terms.
• Reviews Raw Material Certificates of Analysis (CofAs) and approves only those CofAs which indicate that the analyzed Raw Material meets the Plant’s Raw Material Specifications.
• Arranges for LTL/TL/Hot Shot Shipment of equipment sent out for repair or for delivery.
• Utilizes Material Return process for material sent out for repair, return to vendor for credit, exchange, or salvage.
• Assists in performing the duties of other Purchasing Personnel when they are absent due to illness or vacation.
• Responds to after-hours calls as needed.
• Aids in maintaining and tracking Contractor Insurance requirement compliance.
• Aids in the preparation of purchasing contracts, Master Agreement for Terms and Conditions Services and Goods.
• Aids with counting process of Storeroom and Warehouse inventoried items.
• Analyzes inventory levels and periodically proposes revised MRP levels.
• Aids with reporting and tracking Supplier conformance and non-conformance.
• Performs duties in a manner that protects personal safety as well as the safety of all personnel on site. Whenever appropriate, promptly reports Safety, Health or Environmental incidents or issues to management so the situation can be corrected.

Qualifications

• Successful candidates must satisfy background screening, including motor vehicle record screening, drug testing & pre-employment physical requirements before starting work.
• A current, valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or other Technical Field.
• One to two years related experience desirable.
• Must develop an effective use of SAP, MS Word/Excel/Outlook, and Webex.
• Must develop an ability to type 25-30 words a minute and use of 10-Key using QWERTY.
• Must have effective interpersonal, analytical, and negotiating skills.

Physical Demands

• Sit, stand, walk, use hands to touch, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear.
• Occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.
• Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.
• May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.
• Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

About Westlake

Westlake offers the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate. Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer.