Buyer II – Direct Materials

Summary Of Role

The Buyer II is accountable for ensuring uninterrupted supply of assigned direct materials supporting GMP manufacturing operations. This role owns an assigned supplier portfolio and is responsible for supplier performance, delivery reliability, cost competitiveness and mitigation of supply risks. The Buyer II works closely with Planning, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, Finance, Warehouse and Operations to ensure continuity of supply, resolve issues, and support ongoing improvements. The position requires execution of the Sterling Values and non-negotiables, as well as expertise in the functional competencies including in the position profile.

Essential Functions

• Own assigned supplier portfolio, recommend supplier selection and monitor supplier performance, market conditions, capacity, quality, and delivery reliability.
• Select new vendors, distributors and/or manufacturers for materials and implements changes following company compliance.
• Measure, analyze and report supplier performance metrics, including OTIF, responsiveness, quality and corrective action effectiveness.
• Research invoice problems with suppliers and coordinates resolutions with the Finance Department.
• Enter data of materials into ERP Inventory System; coordinates with suppliers to assure accurate pricing and description.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities that deliver measurable savings.
• Communicate to suppliers clearly and concisely all expectations for the purchased goods, including part numbers, pricing, delivery times and payment terms.
• Communicate potential or current order problems early with end users and offers recommended solutions.
• Prepare Request for Quotation forms as needed.
• Escalate significant supply risks and communicates delivery challenges and mitigation plans to stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze commodity market and trends in supply and pricing.
• Assist in developing departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain ERP records associated with the purchasing function, supplying relevant information to the accounting, quality, sales and production functions as requested.
• Manage procurement of assigned direct materials, packaging components, filters, drums, and manufacturing consumables utilizing ERP-generated demand, MRP messages, reorder point (ROP) parameters and production requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels, supplier lead times and demand changes to ensure material availability while minimizing excess inventory and supply risk.
• Review and maintain planning parameters including lead times, order quantities, safety stock levels and reorder points in partnership with Planning and Operations.
• Partner with Planning, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality and Operations to identify, communicate and mitigate material shortages that may impact production schedules or customer commitments.
• Partner with Supplier Quality to support supplier qualification, change notifications, supplier corrective actions and ongoing GMP compliance requirements.
• Rationalize the supplier base as required.
• Assist in training colleagues within department.
• Reconcile, publish and distribute spend reports to departments throughout the organization.
• Ensures timely completion and compliance with cGMP and all other relevant company training requirements.

Key Competencies

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software – advanced Excel preferred.
• Knowledge of ERP – SAP experience preferred.
• Web based procurement knowledge.
• Working knowledge of PPV, payment terms and invoice reconciliation.
• Strong knowledge of production and inventory practices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to research and solve order/delivery issues.
• Strong data entry skills and attention to detail.
• Prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and import/export processes.
• Supply Risk identification and mitigation.
• Candidates need to be competent with IT systems, and Microsoft Office including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

Education And Experience

• Associate degree in a related field with 3 – 5+ years of related experience; OR
• High School Diploma with 6+ years of related experience

Travel Requirement

Up to 5% travel required.

Other Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• This position is eligible for a flexible schedule.
• This position is eligible for hybrid work location.