Sr. Buyer

About the Role

Responsible for the most critical or difficult procurements that require a greater degree of experience, knowledge, professionalism, and administration. Establishes, coordinates, and administers long-term purchase agreements for assigned commodities. Provides guidance and assistance to other procurement personnel. Proficient in all aspects of the job and oversees the department in the absence of the Purchasing Manager.

Responsibilities

• Receive approved requisitions and review for completeness and necessary information.
• Select reliable sources, request bids as necessary, evaluate quotations, and make final supplier selection according to company-established criteria.
• Thoroughly understand and follow all policies governing procurement to instruct Buyers in their applications.
• Negotiate with suppliers on new procurements or changes to existing purchase orders to prevent price increases.
• Ensure active purchase orders are complete, accurate, and reflect the latest requirements and terms in compliance with company-supplier agreements and governing regulations.
• Coordinate, conduct, and participate in meetings between suppliers and related personnel concerning value analysis, engineering, new methods, techniques, or processes.
• Provide guidance and assistance to other Procurement personnel and perform special activities as requested by management.
• Maintain and monitor inventory levels on assigned parts; recommend write-off of obsolete or excess material.
• Initiate corrective actions to ensure assigned piece-part delivery schedules and/or reservations are in agreement.
• Draft purchase orders and long-term agreements to ensure all requirements and special terms are met.
• Participate in joint meetings with Production Planning, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Control, and other departments to review specifications, sources of supply, and recommendations for reduced procurement.
• Work to reduce the supplier base and investigate and evaluate new sources of supply.
• Interview supplier sales representatives and stay abreast of developments influencing procurement procedures and practices.
• Monitor current market conditions and handle engineering revisions related to suppliers.
• Monitor, analyze, and administer daily decisions in support of formal MRP actions.
• Maintain pertinent history/details on all items, purchases, and quotes as necessary.
• Oversee the department in the absence of the Purchasing Manager.
• Keep the Purchasing Manager informed of critical or high-priority purchases/projects.
• Adhere to ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 14001 Environmental, and OSHAS 18001 certification requirements.
• Maintain a safe working environment for all employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or related field experience is desired.
• 3–4 years of experience in purchasing, contracting, negotiating, or vendor performance management with a college degree in a business-related field. Degree may be substituted with a minimum of 2 years of related experience for each year of college.

Working Conditions

• Typical office/factory environment with possible exposure to heat in production areas.
• Primary work in a climate-controlled office environment.
• Visual strain, listening, sitting, standing, stooping, walking, observing, grasping, pushing, pulling, and keyboarding for more than 50% of the time.
• Eye/hand coordination for more than 50% of the time.
• Some travel may be required.