Category Buyer

15000 Valmont Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154

About the role

Responsible for procurement of assigned category-related items across multiple North America Infrastructure Operations facilities, focused on timely deliveries and shipment accuracy with the goal of satisfying internal and external customer requirements. The incumbent commits funds, participates in strategic business decisions, and operates as the liaison between Valmont and the supplier. The Category Buyer is accountable for purchase order creation and management up to the time of delivery to internal or external customers. The incumbent works closely with Project Administrators, Manufacturing Sites, and Customer Service Representatives to ensure demands are fulfilled, prioritized, and any updates or changes are made in a timely manner. The Category Buyer is responsible for following all supplier contracts and agreements as set by the Global Commodity Management Team. This position requires close collaboration with suppliers, solving issues as they arise, and escalating as needed.

Responsibilities

• Compile and summarize raw material demands across all North America Infrastructure Operations facilities
• Request quotes from suppliers if no current contract exists for the commodity
• Place purchase orders in a timely manner to meet demand
• Aggregate demand for category items and review regularly with the Global Commodity Manager and Materials teams
• Monitor system reports across multiple sites concerning purchase orders and complete due diligence to resolve issues
• Ensure contract adherence and manage supplier capacity to efficiently supply necessary demand
• Ensure purchase order confirmations are received from suppliers and communicate internally across multiple sites
• Ensure documentation and compliance actions are completed for all purchase orders
• Monitor status reports and hold regular status report meetings with suppliers and internal stakeholders at multiple sites
• Identify and lead process improvement activities to optimize resource utilization for the category, engaging stakeholders at facilities to support change
• Maintain outstanding internal customer satisfaction and relationships between the supply base and Valmont Industries, Inc.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with commercial partners, engineers, site materials teams, and other purchasing personnel
• Manage claims for rejected material with suppliers
• Manage invoicing discrepancies
• Manage open purchase orders, including expedites, quantity, or other date changes
• Ensure transactional accuracy for all purchases
• Assist Accounts Payable in timely credit/debit reconciliation
• Participate in scorecards and surveys relating to suppliers
• Participate in lean initiative events
• Collaborate with Global Commodity Managers on supplier development and management
• Review purchasing standard work procedures for improvements to increase customer satisfaction and/or reduce cost
• Act as a backup for other central buyers

Requirements

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of experience, or Associate’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, or 7+ years of relevant experience
• Six months of experience in a production/manufacturing environment or a material control role
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, building relationships with all levels of employees
• Ability to organize and manage multiple simultaneous priorities and meet aggressive deadlines
• Attention to detail and accuracy while working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines
• Judgment and decision-making skills while comparing relative cost and benefit potential
• A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook

Qualifications

Highly qualified candidates will also possess these qualifications:

• Previous experience in sales, operations, operations planning, master scheduling, production planning, inventory control, or production control within an MRP/ERP environment
• Knowledge of customer service functions and shipping procedures
• APICS (C.P.I.M.), CSCP, or Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional in Inventory Management Certification

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office setting. The incumbent is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time, as well as talk and listen on the phone and in personal conversations or meetings. The environment is fast-paced and demanding most of the time. The employee frequently uses hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms while working in the office with various files and forms and while working on the computer. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office. The incumbent must utilize proper ergonomic safeguards such as monitor height and positions, keyboard location and height, and proper wrist rests. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds when working with large files, binders, and computer equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The position requires a valid US driver’s license and the ability to travel by plane as required by the job.

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services, and more

Location: This position is available in Omaha, NE and Tulsa, OK.