SENIOR BUYER

The Senior Buyer in a manufacturing setting plays a pivotal role in managing the procurement process for raw materials, components, equipment, and services necessary for production. This position requires a deep understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and the ability to work closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure a steady flow of high-quality materials while optimizing costs.

YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR:

• Executes and manages Purchase Orders for the procurement of major/critical commodities, services, and complex procurements, with emphasis on improving supplier quality and lowering total cost of ownership for the program
• Prepares and issues moderate to high complexity, value and risk purchase orders and complex agreements, and ensures all procurement actions which commit the company are properly documented, reviewed and approved consistent with policy and procedure. Is able to identify risks and mitigate them when negotiating terms and conditions
• Leads supplier issue resolutions (lead time, drawing issues, etc.); work with Operations Program Manager, Supplier Quality, etc. to resolve supplier quality issues, identify sources for new products, and improve supplier performance; issue supplier corrective actions, and quality control instructions; and assess supplier responses to corrective action requests
• Works with management to address all aspects of supply chain management, including procurement support, commodity business plans, market trends assessment, pricing, and product availability
• Coordinates purchasing activities with internal partners to acquire products and services in a cost effective and timely manner
• Supports proposal activities with innovative solutions to meet Program needs and requirements
• Processes purchase requisitions, purchase orders, purchase order revisions, and requests for quotes to suppliers
• Performs cost or price analysis on procurements of moderate to high value, risk and complexity
• On proposals, procurements, and agreements, negotiates and documents terms and conditions, price, delivery, quality, and performance requirements on moderate to high complexity procurements
• Monitors the cost, schedule and scope of assigned procurements to negotiate highest quality at best value
• Develops new supply sources where suppliers are no longer competitive
• Recommends cost saving proposals or alternative sources
• Interacts with suppliers and QA to resolve quality issues
• Builds productive internal/external working relationships
• May coordinate activities of other personnel
• Attends proposal planning and proposal kickoff meetings
• Collaborates with functional areas to obtain the latest BOM to initiate the estimating process and prepares and documents priced Bill of Material and Material (BOM) cost estimate development
• Reviews requirements document (i.e., requisitions, statement of work, drawings, and specifications) for clarity and adequacy
• Provides inputs into procurement decisions including make/buy, source selection, market research and supplier qualifications
• Identifies potential resources for required materials, equipment, supplies and services, and develops and issues request for proposals
• Receives, reviews, and evaluates supplier proposals to ensure they meet proposal requirements
• Participates on proposal evaluation teams in fact finding, technical evaluation, and cost/price analysis
• Ensures communications regarding material status is being generated, presented and distributed to appropriate personnel
• Conducts supplier surveillance and audits
• Leads, directs, mentors and trains other supply chain professionals
• Leads continuous improvement activities to drive material commonality and cost, schedule and risk reductions
• Supports internal, customer, and external compliance audits

YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THIS JOB IF YOU HAVE:

• Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management or Purchasing or equivalent a plus.
• A minimum 6+ years of relevant experience in procurement and supply chain management in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications is required.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with internal customers and suppliers.
• Experience with JDE a strong plus.
• In-depth knowledge in assigned commodities and advanced decision-making skills
• Exercises good judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action
• Wide-ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways
• Ability to apply advanced project management skill and knowledge.
• Ability to work and succeed in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment while demonstrating superior presentation, communication, team building and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to work as an individual contributor or on a team
• Ability to quickly understand and apply new information quickly; handles more complex problems.
• Shows initiative on assignments, exercises independent judgment
• In-depth knowledge of Supply Management and how to implement strategies into practice
• Very strong analytical skills and ability to make decisions that enable the business to achieve their goals
• Very strong negotiation skills and ability to develop win-win solutions

BUYER REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering discipline preferred
• Ability to interpret and communicate engineering drawings and specifications desired.
• Technical familiarity with a range of materials and manufacturing processes desired.
• Experience with supply contracts
• Excellent PC skills (spreadsheets, etc.) required
• Excellent communication skills across various levels are required.