Buyer

About the role

The Buyer II position at Mueller Water Products, Inc. is responsible for purchasing and inventory control. They work closely with supply chain and manufacturing to support lean inventory and procurement strategies for purchased materials. The role requires managing relationships with suppliers, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring timely delivery of materials to support the master production schedule.

Responsibilities

• Purchase and negotiate materials, equipment, and supplies from suppliers
• Evaluate supplier quotes and services to determine the best suppliers
• Maintain communication with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery, system data integrity, and ordering parameters for individual materials
• Maintain ideal inventory levels to ensure on-time deliveries, maximize turns, and minimize carrying costs
• Plan and accomplish goals with a creative and flexible approach
• Engage in teamwork to achieve higher levels of performance
• Create and follow standard work processes on a daily basis
• Adapt to system/technology changes and use current systems
• Show financial acumen in areas such as lot size, inventory vs. set-up costs, and make vs. buy analysis
• Show a sense of urgency and manage time-sensitive data accurately
• Identify and manage exceptions in material/information flow

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or supply chain, or equivalent job experience
• Minimum of 8 years professional supply chain experience
• Supervisory experience a plus
• Experience with global suppliers
• Exposure to LEAN methodology and LEAN manufacturing environment
• Experience with contract reviews and negotiations
• Experience with enterprise-sourcing purchasing systems (ERP) – JDE E1 a plus
• Exposure to logistics, warehousing systems
• Skilled in reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications
• Advanced computer skills and proficiency with Excel, Access, and ERP systems
• Less than 5% travel (primarily domestic, some international as required)

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds

Skills

• Fluency in commercial components of supplier agreements
• PFEP Making materials flow fluency, value added/cost of ownership reductions, and landed cost
• Make vs. Buy analysis
• Ability to create and follow Standard Work processes on a daily basis
• Adapt to system/technology changes as well as use of current systems
• Financial acumen (i.e. understanding lot size, inventory vs. set-up costs)
• Operate with a sense of urgency, and distribute time sensitive and accurate data
• Identify roadblocks in material/information flow; ability to manage exceptions

Benefits

Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.

Pay

Compensation details are confidential and not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Work schedule details are confidential and not specified in the job posting.

Benefits

Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department.