Buyer III

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads procurement activities for assigned projects such as analyzing quote requests, assembling Requests for Quotes (RFQs), evaluating bid responses, and making purchasing recommendations based on the evaluation of the vendor's ability to meet specified requirements, including material specifications, lead times, pricing, and other quoted terms and conditions.
• Oversee and Execute contracts and Purchase Orders (PO) up to approved limits.
• Perform system-based procurement operations for vendors of supplies, equipment, services, and projects.
• Actively manage the procure-to-pay lifecycle by coordinating contracts, terms, and conditions, drawing approvals, PO change orders, receipts, and invoice payments.
• Serve as a resource and promote procurement best practices to production and transmission design engineering teams, distribution cooperatives, and internal departments.
• Actively manages open requisitions and PO commitments to ensure the company's continuity of construction and repair activities. Mitigates potential interruptions and delays through close coordination with and advice to internal stakeholders, intervention with a vendor, negotiating performance under PO, and escalation within the company and with a vendor.
• Conducts vendor management functions such as vendor qualification and approval, onboarding, performance reviews against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and non-conformance resolution.
• Coordinate the ordering and shipment of inventory goods with Inventory personnel. Perform logistical functions such as scheduling vendor or internal deliveries directly to job sites.
• Assist in work order reconciliation and close-out activity within established timelines.
• Collaborate with accounts payable to ensure timely receipt of goods and payment of vendor invoices within accounting periods to ensure timely release of financials.
• Follow established Management Guidelines, policies, and procedures to accomplish transparent, financial control of decision-making.
• The ability to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information to make decisions regarding appropriate courses of action in vendor management and PO life cycle.
• The ability to manage stress and work well with others are essential functions of this position.
• Due to our obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to our customers, the ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance and the ability to work outside your regularly scheduled office hours when necessary is an essential function of the job.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience plus 4 to 6 years of relevant experience

PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Project Management, Supply Chain, or similar related field or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Procurement experience working within a modern ERP system such as SAP or Ariba.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Normal working conditions as found within an office setting, wherein there is controlled temperature and a low noise level, plus a minimum of distractions.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Highly repetitive, low physical. Highly repetitive type of work which requires concentration in the performance of tasks for consistent time cycles as prescribed by the tasks.

Generally performed in an office environment. Occasional activity in somewhat disagreeable working conditions with exposure to one or two elements such as intermittent standing, walking, and pushing, carrying, or lifting.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Effective communication and influencing skills, both written and oral, with the ability to share information and ideas clearly and concisely with a range of audiences.

Proficient in database development/management.

High Proficiency in computing skills and Microsoft Excel.

Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• 100% Company Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 401(k) with 3% Dollar-for Dollar Company Match
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 9 Paid holidays
• 2 Floating holidays
• Educational assistance
• Paid time off accrual
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Free & confidential Employee Assistance Program

EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DISABLED

Should you elect to apply for this position, AECC/AECI will review your qualifications. If after reviewing the qualifications and experience of all applicants, your skills and credentials meet our needs, someone from our organization may contact you. Please be advised that the time required to complete the applicant review process typically takes between 30 and 90 days but could extend beyond that. Once the position has been filled, all applicants will be notified via email.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. are Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other protected category.