Buyer

Primary Duties:

• Coordinate the procurement of materials, services, and equipment to ensure adequate supply, at the best value, to meet the operating needs of the company.
• Take a strategic approach in the management of assigned commodities by working with suppliers and other departments on projects such as inventory reduction, new product development, cost reduction/rebates, and supplier performance.
• Set standard costs on all assigned components and update yearly.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with supplier agreements and maintain accurate records.
• Negotiate terms and pricing with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing.
• Forecast future inventory needs based on sales
• Work with product managers in contacting possible vendors and comparing price quotations.
• Review, approve, and process purchase requisitions with established monetary limitations.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to provide updates on procurement status and address concerns. Escalate planning and procurement conflicts as needed.
• Work in conjunction with accounts payable to contact suppliers to correct invoice errors, negotiate credits and adjustments and obtain satisfactory arrangements.
• Conduct required correspondence to expedite purchased materials, revise or change purchase orders, ensure timely deliveries, improved terms, etc.
• Report on procurement activities, costs, and supplier performance.
• Through contacts with educational institutions, professional societies, manufacturers, and through attending seminars and other educational sources keep abreast of new developments in purchasing procedures, systems, materials, sources of supply for special tools, equipment, and materials.
• Participate in online or in-person meetings.
• Maintain conformance with company work rules and regulations.
• Work closely with internal teams.

Job Specifications:

• High School degree with 5-6 years purchasing experience or 2-4-year degree with 2-4 years purchasing experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and work well meeting deadlines.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven record of working with details and above-average verbal communication skills.
• Must have strong analytical, strategic, and planning skills.
• High energy and desire to succeed.
• Travel when required.

Job Relations:

• Reports directly to Purchasing Supervisor

Authority:

• To purchase assigned commodities and control inventory.
• Determine logistics for the best shipping method.
• Approve or reject purchase requisitions for incorrect information or approvals.
• Authority to stop production for non-conforming quality or safety compliance.
• To support company policies and procedures.
• Report on non-conforming material and safety non-compliance to management.
• Make decisions to accept or reject according to quality specifications.
• Make logical decisions based on experience and/or company policy.

Work Environment:

This position typically works in an office environment with occasional visits to warehouses or supplier locations.

Occasional travel may be required for supplier visits and industry conferences.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Generous 401(k) contributions
• Flexible spending account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Referral program

Enthusiastic - Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Team Player - Works well as a member of a group
Detail Oriented - Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Dedicated - Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Goal Completion - Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
Job Security - Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe
Flexibility - Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
Self-Starter - Inspired to perform without outside help
Ability to Make an Impact - Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization