Buying Associate

About the role

This entry-level position offers professional support in the procurement of engineering materials and services. The incumbent reviews demand requirements, checks requisitions for completeness and accuracy, obtains quotes, examines bids, and recommends awards. They also prepare and administer purchase orders, analyze material availability, maintain data integrity, and communicate status updates to internal customers.

Responsibilities

• Provides professional support in the procurement of engineering materials and services.
• Reviews demand requirements for engineering material and service support.
• Checks requisitions for completeness and accuracy.
• Obtains quotes, examines bids and recommends awards.
• Suggests, prepares and administers purchase orders to achieve material quality, cost and delivery requirements.
• Analyzes material availability to manage inventory investment.
• Maintains responsibility for data integrity in Item Master file.
• Maintains ongoing communication with internal customers providing status updates and other information regarding their requests, timing, problem resolution, etc.
• Expedites or follows up on deliveries as appropriate to meet delivery requirements.
• Affords assistance in surveys, site audits and analysis leading to supplier sourcing.
• Affords assistance in reviewing supplier performance and making recommendations on changes or disqualifications.
• Provides resolution of receipt and supplier invoice discrepancies.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Bachelor's degree in related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and procedures, materials being purchased, basic computer applications, purchasing practices and procedures, basic math, data entry, and 10-key skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy, and working under tight time deadlines. Ability to evaluate, prioritize and problem solve a variety of tasks to ensure their timely and accurate completion. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of internal and external customers. Ability to efficiently organize, file and retrieve hard copy and electronic information relating to the business of the work unit.