Direct Buyer

About the role

Job Summary Manage mass production part ordering and delivery through effective planning, communication, and supplier interface. Apply technical and problem-solving skills to prevent impact to operations and support achievement of department targets. Responsible for material procurement, ordering schedule, logistics tracking, on-time delivery of parts & materials, supplier process management and countermeasure implementation. All of which have significant impact on L-H Battery financial performance. This position plays a crucial role in the supply chain management of the company.

Responsibilities

• Issue Purchase Orders (POs) for all projects unassisted; manage material run out plan and mitigate potential production shortfalls or overstock situations.
• Resolve conflicts that arise with supplier delivery schedules, raw materials, inventory, etc.
• Establish and maintain communication networks with supply base to promote a positive, long-term relationship focused on delivery performance (building relationships with suppliers).
• Continually develop communication networks (department internal and external) such as production control, manufacturing, safety, material management, and engineering to ensure operational success and departmental awareness.
• Propose new business processes, suggest process and system improvements; manage proposal introduction, execution and long-term implementation.
• Work closely with system development teams to specify, negotiate, and confirm system changes.
• Identify key stakeholders and include in development and confirmation.
• Understand and manage supplier material packaging, labeling procedures, shipping processes and material conditions from point of shipping to point of arrival.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance.
• Maintain reporting and conduct “Genba” activity both internally (plant/warehouse) and externally (supplier plant/warehouse/shipping waypoints) for root cause analysis and countermeasure implementation to solve complex problems.
• Maintain control of inventory by establishing and maintaining trigger points based on multiple criteria at multiple points in the supply chain.
• Support senior management in developing and implementing purchasing strategies.
• Research, identify, and recommend prospective new suppliers.
• Continuously strive for cost improvements (competition, localization etc.).

Requirements

Education/Experience 1-3+ years experience in a purchasing, planning or similar role (co-op or internship experience are qualifying) Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience Good time-management and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team with strong communication and interpersonal skills Negotiation skills and the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external parties. Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Ability to effectively sell ideas, securing buy-in from individuals or team

Skills

• Knowledge of global supply chain or import/export activity.
• Knowledge of basic inventory management and manufacturing workflow.
• Ability to work on multiple issues and tasks and prioritize, plan, perform, and communicate activities, both in written and verbal form.
• Ability to negotiate based on logic, manage cost, manage supplier relationships, solve problems, manage special projects, and analyze drawings/BOM’s.
• Advanced knowledge of data management and analysis (for example, Excel VBA or Python)
• Knowledge of data visualization tools (such as Tableau or Power BI)
• Strong business and technical background.
• Multi-lingual (English/Korean) a plus

Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation
• Paid time off, including vacation & paid holidays
• Ability to earn compensatory time off
• Industry leading benefit plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
• Shift premium (when assigned)
• 401K plan with company match
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)
• Career Growth – Advancement opportunities
• Education reimbursement for continued learning
• Training and development programs
• Additional Offerings – On‑Site cafeteria
• On‑Site wellness area
• Clean, climate‑controlled environment