Buyer

Job Description

Key Accountabilities:

• Provides procurement expertise to internal business partners, especially around Vistra’s systems and processes.
• Processes purchase requests, develops purchase orders and contracts in Vistra’s P2P platform, in alignment with category strategies.
• Effectively manages the PO lifecycle cradle to grave.
• Proactively collaborates and communicates with key stakeholders as primary buyer for multiple sites; understanding the criticality of stakeholder needs in a 24/7 business environment and works with a sense of urgency ensuring business continuity.
• Ensures contract compliance especially around safety and insurance adequacy, including ISN compliance when required, before issuing a new PO.
• Escalates contracting issues to contract owners to facilitate resolution.
• Serves on after hours on call “buyer” rotation, and during emergency operations, to support emergent procurement needs.
• Provides coverage for team members’ PTO, leave, etc.
• Travel to stakeholder locations/sites and to corporate office as required.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers using expediting skills as needed to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Communicates with suppliers, getting critical set-up information, the Vistra purchasing process and standard invoicing process (either AP or Ariba based).
• Supports and promotes Vistra’s supplier diversity program in the buying process.
• Issues quick bid opportunities and establishes low risk contracts, if needed.
• Uphold internal and external policies, regulations and laws.

Education, Experience, & Skill Requirements

• 2 years procurement related experience or basic Vistra operational knowledge with an awareness of sourcing, procurement, contracting and supplier management processes.
• Basic awareness of financial concepts and terminology, category management and the associated benefits of category strategies.
• Ability to effectively understand basic Terms & Conditions and pricing and recognize when escalation is necessary for resolution.
• Ability to process and manage purchase orders, support eCommerce transactions, and effectively manage issues and stakeholders to guarantee policy, process and contract compliance.
• Ability to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders, providing a high level of customer service while supporting departmental goals and the corporate vision, mission and strategy.
• Enthusiasm for driving optimum business outcomes.
• Ability to advocate for, and/or challenge, the internal customer.
• Good process orientation and attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication; ability to persuade others.
• Able to effectively participate on and contribute to cross-functional teams.
• Able to work with and manage confidential information.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience gained through college degree programs and/or certifications is applicable to above skills.

Key Metrics

• Timely and efficient procurement of materials, supplies and services.
• Accountable for the creation of real value through analysis of cost proposals.
• Maintain accurate data in contracting and purchasing systems.
• Timely and effective communication with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Timely escalation and resolution of issues and disputes.