Jr. Buyer

About the role

Evaluates, selects, places, and expedites assigned procurement contracts or portions of a procurement contract of high complexity, diversification, or expense. Networks with key contacts outside own area of expertise. Tasks and assignments tend to be complex, non-routine, and require a greater level of expertise. Duties are performed under very limited supervision. May coordinate activities of other personnel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates all activities related to procurement of a commodity beginning with intent to purchase through delivery.
• Analyzes the requirements of the commodity, including preliminary specifications, preferred supplier, and date commodity is needed.
• Solicits and evaluates proposals for the requested commodity.
• Investigates and/or interviews potential suppliers to determine if they meet the specified requirements.
• Advises team members or management on the appropriate supplier to be used.
• Negotiates the lowest possible cost for the commodity balanced against the optimum quality and schedule needs.
• Implements purchase contracts that comply with company and government regulations.
• Assures that the commodity is delivered on schedule, at the negotiated price, and meets the quality standards of the company.
• Maintains timely control of orders, amendments, shipping notices, and other documents to assure accurate retention of records.
• Coordinates appropriate methods needed to distribute commodity in a cost-effective manner.
• Daily availability to include evenings and weekends when necessary to reach goals and deadlines.
• Provides technical leadership to lower-level buyers, including training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work.
• Follows all import/export requirements, consulting with facility import/export personnel as required.

Competencies

• Analytical: Collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Project Management: Communicates changes and progress.
• Technical Skills: Pursues training and development opportunities.
• Customer Service: Responds promptly to customer needs; meets commitments.
• Oral Communication: Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; presents numerical data effectively.
• Teamwork: Gives and welcomes feedback; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Business Acumen: Understands business implications of decisions; demonstrates knowledge of market and competition.
• Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost-saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.
• Ethics: Treats people with respect; works with integrity and ethically.
• Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; supports organization's goals and values.
• Judgment: Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Motivation: Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.
• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently.
• Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity: Completes work in timely manner; strives to increase productivity.
• Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures, including using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required and wearing company-issued badge when on company property; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and material properly.
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Initiative: Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Innovation: Generates suggestions for improving work.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in a related field and a minimum of 0-2 years of directly related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of MS Outlook, MS Excel, and MS Word software.
• Basic knowledge of ISO and/or AS9100.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing/6 Sigma/Kaizen.
• Knowledge of specific software (design, analysis, ERP…).
• US Citizenship with ability to attain/maintain government security clearance.