Senior Buyer

Job Description:

Obtain basic goods and services at the lowest total cost with focus on total value. Assist other departments in supplier selection, defining product specifications and ordering practices that reflect the best interests of the company.

Responsibilities:

• Purchases assigned commodities from approved and qualified suppliers in sufficient lead time to prevent material shortages and recommend cost savings when possible.

• Ensures that all activities are in compliance with company policies and practices.

• Resolves problems that arise in relation to delivery dates, quality, specifications, quantity, or cost of purchased goods or services.

• Reviews requisitions and confers with departments regarding requirements, specifications, quantity and quality of merchandise, and delivery requirements. Recommends alternate suppliers where a savings in cost or improved delivery will result.

• Reviews discrepant invoices which are not in complete agreement with purchase orders and resolves the discrepancies.

• Establishes standard costs for assigned commodities.

• Issues purchase orders, negotiates contracts, and establishes blanket orders that may include consignment stock.

• Investigates supplier’s financial condition, technical competence, facilities, and production techniques to ensure adequate supply sources.

• Negotiates prices and follows competitive bidding procedures when necessary to ensure the lowest total cost for specific materials or services interacting with other departments as necessary.

• May participate, along with Sourcing Manager, in internal meetings in the development of strategy and negotiations as a member of a Sourcing team.

• May be required to do supplier scheduling – maintain purchase order acknowledgment control system lead time maintenance and interface with material planners/master schedulers, buyers, quality control, engineering, suppliers, etc.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all of the "essential functions" for purposes of the ADA.

Expected Areas of Competence (i.e., knowledge, skills, and abilities)

• Ability to engage in basic contract negotiations and implement contacts in standard form; create basic project plans, prioritize, engage resources, implement across functions & sites.

• Address problems quickly and effectively using factual data, possess situational flexibility, know the resources to approach for efficient resolution and drive for results.

• Learn the organization, the business, and focus on personal growth to excel at purchasing in assigned area and expand into new areas in the future.

• Strong knowledge and experience in world-class indirect sourcing practices and techniques

• Working knowledge of purchasing and planning systems.

• Knowledge of accounting principles and budgeting practices.

• Proficiency with personal computers and software including Microsoft office suite products.

• Make-vs-Buy, TCO analysis and the ability to conduct analysis in MS Excel (e.g., medium complexity formulas, pivot tables, graphs)

• Ability to independently solve challenges of low- to medium complexity that involve multi cross-functional departments outside Sourcing.

• Organizational, communication, and quick learning skills are required.

• Good presentation and communications skills as well and the ability to craft communications that are appropriate for various levels within the organization

Education/Experience Requirements

• Typically requires bachelor’s degree (Business, Finance, Engineering, or related fields).

• 5-7 years of purchasing and negotiations experience required or experience in related skill field (finance, accounting); or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge or exposure of direct materials is a plus.

• Experience with ERP systems and CPSM certification is a plus.

Travel Requirements

Up to 10%