Buyer

About the role

Under the direction of the Supply Chain Manager, the Buyer reviews material requirements for actual and forecasted sales, plans and purchases the highest quality materials, parts, and components at the most cost-effective pricing while meeting delivery requirements, and analyzes material requirements to determine when materials will be needed, in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and manage a purchasing program with key suppliers and manage supplier performance.
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies and tactics to capitalize on cost savings opportunities.
• Possess excellent communication skills and the ability to negotiate to achieve the best results for the company.
• Play an integral role along with Engineering, Accounting, Production, and Leadership to keep abreast of industry trends to source the best possible deals from suppliers and maintain a current pipeline of purchasing opportunities.
• Research, analyze, evaluate supplier and market conditions, coordinate and manage vendor selection processes, negotiate and manage contracts and agreements, build relationships with suppliers, and ensure quality standards are met.
• Participate in and lead continuous improvement opportunities within the materials team to drive better performance and efficiency.
• Maintain part maintenance for assigned commodities; ensure accurate PIR records, source lists, and promptly reconcile supplier invoices for payment.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job-related major and three to five years of related experience; or an associate degree or two years of college with job-related coursework and four to six years of progressively responsible related experience; or a combination of education and experience.

Required Skills

Strong analytical ability, attention to detail, effective supplier communication, negotiation skills, working knowledge of purchasing processes, and the ability to use MRP or ERP systems to manage purchasing data and supplier records.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk or hear, and use hands to handle, or touch objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.