Buyer/Purchasing Associate

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Purchases parts to supply distribution centers and numerous technician locations.
• Prepares and places purchase orders and warehouse transfer orders.
• Communicates all order confirmations and shipment tracking numbers to the organization.
• Aids in sourcing new products and finding alternate vendors to continuously reduce costs and improve service.
• Uses technical knowledge to identify what parts will need safety stocks and footprints for new business.
• Works with vendors to obtain material specifications and understand availability of parts to continuously improve our service levels.
• Analyzes pricing to ensure a competitive pricing structure and achieve volume discounts where possible.
• Knowledgeable within ERP system functionality
• Comprehension of MRP Drives vendors to supply “world class” quality, service, and pricing.
• Helps create part numbers in the ERP system.
• Responsible for designated master data field accuracy.
• Reviews inventory levels and places stock orders to replenish distribution centers.
• Analyses historical data, customer requirements, and technician feedback to ensure an accurate purchasing plan.
• Expedites orders when necessary to ensure timely deliveries.
• Tracks expedites and exceptions, and recommends continuous improvement plans to prevent them in the future.
• Responsible for material quality defects.
• Leads the vendor return process and manages the vendor scorecard.
• Understanding of kanban methods.
• Communicate with technicians daily via calls and emails.
• Works with the Dispatch team to understand timing for supporting emergency orders.
• Assists the Accounting department with rejected invoices.
• Uses critical thinking and problem solving to perform duties with excellence.
• Analyzes the department’s processes and tools and recommends improvements for them to be more effective.
• Strong knowledge of inventory control management and VMI strategy.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and have a minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing/ inventory management.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills are a must.
• It is necessary to multi-task effectively and be able to adjust her/his work schedule to accommodate a quickly changing environment.
• Must excel in a team environment and work well with technicians and office staff.
• A combination of demonstrated successful experience and training may offset education requirement.
• Mathematical Skills Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Some customer service experience
• Strong interpersonal skills which are essential for effective negotiations
• Ability to handle multiple priorities
• PC literate - MS Word & Excel, Visual Manufacturing or similar software, MRP system, email and internet
• Detail Oriented
• Displays a “go-to, can-do” attitude and is always approachable
• Able to work well under time pressures