Buyer

About the role

Purchase assigned production raw materials, packaging, and non-stock materials from suppliers at the best overall value (based on quantity, quality, and delivery required).

Communicate any material problems and participate in developing solutions.

Understand and maintain the system to provide accurate information for all departments.

Responsibilities

• Read and understand the automated procurement systems (MRP system) and its relationship to the various interfacing systems.
• Execute purchase orders of raw material, packaging, and non-inventory items as directed by the MRP system and/or the Purchasing Manager.
• Determine the lowest overall cost of transportation for each order.
• Follow up on all orders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Responsible for purchase order accuracy including price, delivery date, freight costs, etc.
• Handle any order/invoice discrepancies with the vendor.
• Aid in maintaining specifications of raw materials and packaging items.
• Aid in maintaining all required Supplier Approval documentation for the vendors.
• Maintain all system attributes including reorder points, safety stocks, lead times, order quantities, etc. to ensure proper inventory levels with minimal handling/costs.
• Grow vendor relationships and understand their capabilities.
• Be able to resolve problems and implement solutions/improvements based on customer needs and internal operational requests.
• Work to improve systems and processes for Purchasing under the guidance of the Purchasing Manager.
• All other duties as requested.

Requirements

• Basic mathematical skills.
• Demonstrate strong use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Expertise and familiarity with Inventory Management and Purchasing Best Practices with responsibility for establishing inventory levels and expenditures of assigned items for the company.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of MRP planning.
• Effective customer relationship skills.
• Sense of urgency required.

Education/Experience Requirements

• BS or BA degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years Purchasing experience preferred.

Special Quality/Aptitude

• Analytical skills are critical.
• Diplomacy when dealing with suppliers and internal/external customers.
• Develop and investigate alternative sources of supply if anticipating issues concerning supplier or industry constraints (capacity or material) which may impact multi-plant supply or increased costs.