Buyer

FLSA Status: Exempt | Grade Level: S-6 | Department: Purchasing | Reports To: Director of Sourcing

About the Role

Maintains purchase order pricing, terms, contracts, and agreements, committing Adhesives Research to the purchase of raw materials, capital items, professional services, maintenance, repair, operating (MRO) items/services, and indirect supplies. Utilizes Material Resource Planning (MRP) information to determine order quantities and generate accurate supply plans for all raw materials, ensuring on-time delivery while minimizing on-hand inventory levels. Identifies and engages suppliers that consistently provide the best value for appropriate designs, specifications, and quality, with deliveries aligned to negotiated prices.

Responsibilities

• Execute procedures for placing and modifying purchase orders and contracts for raw materials, capital equipment, services, MRO items, and indirect materials for Operations, Manufacturing, and other support groups.
• Conduct material planning analyses using current orders, sales forecasts, production schedules, lead times, and inventory levels to determine proper order quantities for all required raw materials.
• Negotiate pricing reductions, quality enhancements, working capital improvements, and cost avoidances by working with existing suppliers or locating new sources.
• Assist R&D with supplier and/or material information and product samples to support development programs.
• Ensure newly approved products utilize materials from fully approved suppliers with commercially viable supply chains.
• Establish and maintain proper documentation to confirm approved supplier status according to current procedures.
• Research supplier sources, information, and technical assistance.
• Verify that General Liability, Automobile, Workers’ Compensation, and Employers Liability insurance certificates for suppliers are on file at AR and meet requirements; otherwise, have suppliers sign a Hold Harmless document.
• Complete and distribute quarterly supplier scorecards for selected suppliers and file in SharePoint folder in accordance with current procedures.
• Facilitate prompt and effective resolution of defective material issues through the Supplier Corrective Action Response (SCAR) process in coordination with the SQE team.
• Initiate and/or support change control procedures for all supplier changes.
• Enter and maintain all purchasing data in the ERP system relating to supplier information, pricing, lead-times, MOQs, shelf life, etc.
• Ensure receipt of expected credits or replacements from suppliers due to shipment/receipt discrepancies, invoicing issues, or defective material.
• Comply with and enforce all safety regulations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business, purchasing, supply chain management, technical, or related field is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard desktop computing systems and software, along with previous experience with an ERP system (preferably Oracle).
• Results-oriented mindset with a demonstrated track record of delivering business benefits.
• Ability to recap and present negotiation analysis.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing operations/systems and related processes.
• Superior interpersonal skills when dealing with associates or external suppliers.
• Ability to work well independently or in team environments.
• Strong decision-making process to evaluate options, recognize similarities/differences, determine benefits and risks, and take definitive action.

Physical Demands

None