Buyer

Vacancy:

1 Vacancy

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The Buyer is responsible for the strategic and tactical procurement of additives, resin, fillers, and chemicals for the company's global manufacturing facilities. Indirect purchases will also be involved for the regional facilities. He/she will source products both domestically and internationally, execute global long-term contracts for key supplies, and manage short-term or spot pricing and terms. Must also communicate correct pricing and terms to planning to assure accurate PO generation. Evaluate supplier performance and develop a commodity strategy to drive improvement in total cost, quality, and delivery.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Contribution:

• Works with the Vice President - Procurement to formulate a strategic plan to minimize the business's total cost.

Leadership:

• Effectively communicate and instruct Planning on the strategic plan for each commodity and direct/communicate preferred suppliers and pricing.

Budgeting, Cost Control, and Stewardship:

• Communicate price movement to marketing to assure cost/price sheet pricing is accurate.
• Work with technical when creating new products to utilize preferred sources in the design/specification phase. Support technical with negotiations, supply timing, and cost forecasts to achieve the most cost-competitive project.
• Track performance metrics for purchasing and report to management on a quarterly basis verbally and in writing.
• Manage overall spend, cost savings & non-optimal spend for accounts to achieve budget targets.
• Review and update procedures to assure they are accurate and reflect the current procurement process.
• Utilize the supplier evaluation and audit process (update as required).
• Utilize supplier analysis & development for new supplier approval.
• Identify future potential suppliers on a global basis to drive competition and ultimately maintain true competitive global market pricing.
• Utilize expert knowledge to establish purchasing systems and utilize ERP system to procure goods and services that meet quality specifications at the most favorable price for the company.
• Optimize the supplier base.
• Execute contracts with key suppliers to minimize the company's risk.
• Review performance results with suppliers to drive continuous improvement and strengthen long-term win-win relationships.
• Drive continuous improvement in product quality by ongoing vendor evaluation & quality MIS process.
• Coordinate new product development activities with the technical team from a total cost reduction & supply security perspective.

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal:

• All departments in the development of commodity strategies and in the status of performance versus plan.
• Team members on an ongoing basis to mentor and assist them in achieving individual and departmental objectives.
• Coordination with sales, marketing, and technology to communicate pricing, market, and terms changes.
• Work closely with planning to ensure effective coordination between the two groups.

External:

• Supplier representatives in contract and supply negotiations.
• Auditors and consultants of other external regulatory bodies on an ad hoc basis.

FRAMEWORKS, BOUNDARIES, & DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY:

• Freedom given to negotiate terms of procurement contracts and bring forward to Senior Management for approval.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science/Arts degree in Business with a major concentration in Supply Chain Management or Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
• Professional certification: Institute for Supply Management designations of Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM); or the American Purchasing Society designation of Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) or Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM).
• 5-10 years' experience in procurement in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with all facets of ERP / MRP systems.

Job-Specific Skills:

• Knowledge of Supply Chain standard Policies & Procedures.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements.
• Superior ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others at all levels, including senior management personnel, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read and analyze market and industry reports and data, recognize opportunities for growth and profit, and make sound business decisions based on this information on a regular basis.
• Procurement and supplier negotiation abilities.
• Computer Skills.

COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
• Multi-tasking and organizational skills.
• Problem solving, written and oral communication skills. Must be able to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization and external customers.
• Ability to operate and navigate the following software: (Excel spreadsheets, pivot tables, Word, e-mail, presentation, project, and expert knowledge of ERP systems/process).
• SAP experience (preferred).
• Results-oriented, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and negotiating skills.

Work environment and physical demands:

• WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office environment with frequent interaction with manufacturing/production environment. Required interaction, understanding, and support of the entire production lifecycle. Adherence to and support of all safety standards. Approximately 10-20% travel, including international travel, for conferences, supplier audits, and business meetings. Freedom to travel easily through North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia (access to travel Visas, etc.).

• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to operate a computer and other communications equipment. Must be able to stand, stoop, walk, and lift up to 50 pounds.