Buyer Analyst L3
Independently own material sourcing and scheduling decisions within defined plant and business parameters, exercising professional judgment to balance cost, supply risk, and production continuity. Accountable for outcomes related to supplier performance, inventory health, and service levels, escalating only when decisions exceed defined authority limits.
Responsibilities
- Material Sourcing
- Independently source assigned strategic and non-strategic commodities in alignment with plant requirements, cost objectives, and supply continuity needs
- Exercise independent judgment in evaluating supplier quotations based on total cost of ownership (price, logistics, quality, delivery reliability, and risk)
- Lead day-to-day commercial negotiations, including pricing, terms, and Letters of Intent (LOIs), within defined authority limits
- Own sourcing decisions and outcomes for assigned commodities, including cost performance and supplier selection rationale
- Monitor market conditions, material availability, and supplier capacity trends to proactively adjust sourcing strategies
- Determine appropriate actions to mitigate supply risk, including alternate sourcing, expediting, or escalation when required
- Own the process for disposition decisions for excess and obsolete materials, balancing financial impact and operational needs
- Projects
- Serve as the materials lead or owner for assigned projects, representing Plant Materials Management on cross-functional teams
- Define materials-related project scope, priorities, timelines, and deliverables within assigned responsibility
- Analyze project requirements and determine sourcing, scheduling, and supplier actions needed to support project objectives
- Accountable for delivery of materials-related project outcomes, including cost, timing, and supply readiness
- Summarize project activities, risks, decisions, and results for stakeholders and management
- Identify issues requiring cross-functional resolution and escalate when decisions exceed defined authority
- Material Scheduling
- Own short-term material planning and scheduling decisions to ensure uninterrupted production and efficient inventory utilization
- Maintain and govern accuracy of critical ERP data (lead times, safety stock, pricing, vendor parameters) for assigned materials
- Determine purchasing, scheduling, and expediting actions based on production demand, inventory levels, and supply constraints
- Independently prioritize competing material requirements and resolve conflicts impacting production schedules
- Analyze inventory trends and production forecasts to adjust ordering strategies and mitigate excess or shortage risk
- Decide when delivery dates, order quantities, or sourcing approaches require modification to support operational goals
- Supplier Involvement
- Own day-to-day supplier performance management for assigned suppliers, including delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost
- Provide suppliers with forecasts and planning signals to support capacity alignment and supply continuity
- Evaluate supplier performance metrics and determine corrective actions required to address gaps
- Lead supplier issue resolution efforts, including delivery disruptions, quality concerns, or commercial disputes
- Coordinate supplier activity across plants and departments to ensure alignment and consistency
- Determine when supplier performance issues require escalation to management or cross-functional review
- Plant Support
- Act as a subject-matter resource for materials planning, sourcing, and supplier decisions impacting plant operations
- Provide guidance and direction to plant personnel on materials processes, requirements, and issue resolution
- Influence how materials-related work is executed by sharing best practices and process improvements
- Support and mentor less experienced purchasing or materials staff through knowledge sharing and problem-solving support
- Address plant-level materials issues independently and determine when escalation is required
- Training & Support
- Train employees in plans, policies, and procedures as needed
- Assist and provide back-up coverage duties of the Materials Manager during vacation or other periods of absenteeism
- Coordination & Communication
- Interact with engineering, shipping, and production personnel to ensure products, components, parts, and material adhere to purchasing standards
- Keep management informed of job-related problems and other information related to work activity
- Participate in other purchasing department activities including internal audits and compliance
- General & Safety Responsibilities
- Maintain work area in a neat and orderly condition
- Work safely and comply with all established safety rules and work practices
- Comply with company, department, and quality policies and procedures as applicable
- Maintain a positive work attitude and promote a “team” approach throughout the department
- Perform other tasks as apparent or assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- 5-7 years in Materials Management field (Purchasing or Production Planning)
- 2+ years of Lean experience
- Ability to use Microsoft Office products to update documents, forms, charts, graphs, and procedures
- Proficient problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently without direct supervision
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a friendly ability to work with others under stressful conditions
- Good housekeeping in line with 5S methodology
- Strong attention to detail
- Technical aptitude with willingness to learn and familiarity with HPS Micron products and production processes
- Ability to read, write, and speak English
- Ability to read, interpret, and update documents that contain technical data
- Organization and planning skills, with emphasis on electronic records and retrieval
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Capable of prioritizing multiple projects and actions through to completion
Benefits
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company 401K
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life AD&D insurance
- Medical insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
Our core benefits focus on wellness, mental health, and financial security when employees need them the most, early career or getting ready for retirement. We also support work-life balance through flexible work schedules, paid time off, and leaves of absence. Employees and their families also have access to our confidential, best-in-class Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). We are committed to sustainable business practices and offer opportunities for our employees to support the communities where we live and work through our Hammond Giving Strategy.
Pay
Competitive salary based on education and experience, ranging from $50,000 to $82,000.