Buyer I

About the Role

Responsible for providing customer service to internal customers and external vendors by placing purchase orders, maintaining past due reports, following up on orders to ensure materials are delivered on promised dates, receiving bids, and making purchases of commodities or goods where the financial impact or decision-making is limited. The Buyer may work directly in support of the production line operations and/or in collaboration with department managers, engineers, or operations staff procuring product. Materials, commodities, and/or equipment purchased are processed, consumed, or used in the manufacture or service of heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in purchasing materials, supplies, and services for the organization.
• Track all purchases that are made.
• Monitor vendor quality.
• Maintain a current database of vendor information.
• Arrange transport of goods and track orders to ensure timely delivery.
• Process purchase requisitions or orders within purchasing authority.
• Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, vendors, and others to determine the source of trouble and take corrective action.
• Monitor shipments to ensure that products arrive on time and in good condition. In the event of problems, trace shipments and follow up on undelivered goods.
• Project a positive company image by interacting with fellow employees, customers, and management in a cooperative, supportive, and courteous manner, displaying a professional attitude.
• Proactively communicate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and other departments.
• Plan all orders and delivery schedules to accommodate production changes and match J.I.T requirements of the build schedule.
• Distribute updated drawings to suppliers as needed to complete orders.
• Scan purchase orders and associated documents into Doc Rec daily.
• Perform miscellaneous other duties as directed by Department or Shift Lead.

Requirements

• Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) from a two-year college or similar degree from a technical school.
• 2 years of clerical experience required.
• 2+ years of experience with computers, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and ERP, inventory, ordering, and tracking systems.
• Microsoft Dynamics AX experience preferred but not required.
• Basic understanding of supply chain management in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and bills of material (BOMs).
• Detail-oriented, flexible, and able to adapt to rapidly changing situations.
• Strong communication skills: must be able to demonstrate skill in communicating with vendors and supervisors, express criticisms and concerns in a way that promotes teamwork and positive supplier relations.
• Maintain positive, constructive, cooperative working relationships with various personalities, including customers, vendors, co-workers, and management.
• Continue to grow lean knowledge and use tools to identify and assist with continuous improvement.
• Skill in working efficiently and accurately to keep up with production requirements.
• Flexible and adaptable in coping with pressures, deadlines, and rapidly changing situations; ability to work independently.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to the risk of injury in an office environment and occasionally in a manufacturing shop plant environment. Duties include a typical office setting with extensive computer work, sitting or standing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Culture and Values

Employees that become part of Astec embody the following values throughout their work:

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers.
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business.
• Respect for all individuals.
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
• Safety, quality, and productivity as means to ensure success.