Senior Buyer

Join the PAK – The Visual Pak Companies are aligned with many of the largest consumer product companies in the household, personal care, automotive, and food product industries. With 30 years of consistent growth, we are looking for innovative and dedicated achievers who value a healthy work/life balance to join our team.

About the Role

The Senior Buyer is responsible for managing a network of distributors and manufacturers to supply the direct raw materials needs of a growing contract manufacturer in the personal/home care industry. Key attributes include ensuring on-time deliveries, securing the best price at specified quality, and adhering to cGMP standards with a focus on excellence in service.

Responsibilities

• Follow hazardous material handling procedures; complete initial and annual training.
• Source raw materials across domestic and international supplier networks.
• Negotiate prices for current and new raw materials.
• Improve and maintain the new item set-up process to support R&D.
• Coordinate collection and distribution of samples as needed.
• Respond to customer requests for quotations with current information.
• Perform materials planning and purchasing.
• Provide key suppliers with forward-looking forecasts.
• Initiate and follow up on purchase orders.
• Interface with plant and site planner teams to ensure on-time delivery and inventory levels.
• Resolve supplier complaints directly.
• Provide timely and accurate information on the status of raw material deliveries.
• Manage the ongoing Supplier Maintenance Program.
• Drive problem resolution and effective prioritization to ensure execution of critical tasks and projects.
• Proactively interface with assigned company disciplines and other facilities regarding purchased goods or services to support production and operational needs.
• Understand and anticipate production planning models to forecast packaging and commodities needed for maximum output and efficiency.
• Procure all indirect materials and services required to support the production process, negotiating the lowest cost with the best value and delivery.
• Perform supplier quote evaluation and schedule vendor selection reviews with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and Quality.
• Provide cost analysis in support of the bidding process and deliver cost savings to the organization.
• Assist suppliers with obtaining accurate, timely information and drawings for quotes or work completion.
• Manage open PO reports to proactively resolve purchasing problems (e.g., invoice discrepancies, receipt discrepancies, part identification).
• Provide accurate backup to accounting for all purchases in a timely manner.
• Protect company interests by understanding contractual obligations, compliance standards, contractor safety, and best procurement practices.
• Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge, respect, and skill development at all levels.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Displays leadership abilities by fostering a productive team atmosphere.
• Takes initiative by providing improvement suggestions that positively impact company objectives.
• Ensures an appropriate level of raw materials inventory, preventing production delays and excess/obsolete inventory.
• Consistently achieves buying parameters as set by the business plan and forecasts.
• Manages inventory to the lowest acceptable business levels.
• Coordinates with vendors, suppliers, and customers for contract adherence, including credits, obsolete materials, discounts, and logistics.

Qualifications

• BA or BS (focus in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or Finance) or equivalent experience; supply chain-specific certifications are helpful.
• 5–8 years of experience in chemical procurement or strategic sourcing within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage others (experience can be a combination of technical and commercial).
• Chemical buying experience highly desired.
• Prior purchasing experience and documented skills/training in negotiation required.
• APICS certification and/or CPM certification preferred.
• Strong ability to problem-solve complex technical issues to correctly source commodities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the legal aspects of contracts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of logistics and freight negotiations.
• Acute attention to detail and ability to work with limited supervision.

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications and various market research tools.
• Intermediate/Advanced computer skills (Excel, interlinked databases, ERP, MS Word).
• Strong understanding of MRP inventory systems and logic.
• Excellent presentation skills for diverse audiences using verbal and technological resources.
• Superior interpersonal ability to productively interact with anyone.
• Proficient verbal and written messaging skills.
• Detailed listener.

Physical Capabilities

• Strength (lifting, dexterity, repetitive motion): Able to use a computer extensively.
• Movement (standing, stopping, sitting, crouching, crawling): General movement in an office setting with extended time sitting.
• Hearing (loud noise tolerance, quiet work area, public speaking, receive work direction): Normal sound volumes in an office setting; some exposure to a production floor environment which may be loud.
• Vision (judge distance, read signs, extended computer work, identify details): Able to read information, view a computer screen for extended periods, and recognize hazards.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) match
• Pet Insurance
• Paid time-off
• Paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Subsidy
• Childcare Resources
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Discounts