Sr Buyer

The Sr Buyer negotiates the procurement and distribution of materials, parts, equipment, and supplies for the organization. They will provide leadership to the product groups assigned and set procurement strategy, negotiation guidance and assistance. They will help to smooth workload during peak times by shifting work between buyers.

· Creates, and maintains all work orders and purchase order release and delivery schedules.

· Assists stockroom and production teams in setting priorities and production to meet delivery requirements.

· Develops (with Marketing) forecasts and aids in custom ordering.

· Responsible for maintaining inventory objectives and cost reductions.

· Coordinates all activities related to procurement of commodity beginning with intent to purchase through delivery.

· Analyzes the requirements of the commodity, including preliminary specifications, preferred supplier, and date commodity as needed from multiple plant locations.

· Develops commodity strategy and advise management.

· Solicits and evaluates proposals for the requested commodity.

· Investigates and/or interviews potential suppliers, domestic and foreign, to determine if they meet the specified requirements.

· Advises team members or management on the appropriate supplier to be used.

· Negotiates the lowest possible cost for the commodity balanced against the optimum quality and schedule needs.

· Implements purchase contracts that comply with company and government regulations

· Communicates the details of agreements with plants.

· Assures that the commodity is delivered on schedule, at the negotiated price, and meets the quality standards of the company

· Assists plants as needed to maintain timely control of orders, amendments, shipping notices, and other documents to assure accurate retention of records.

· Coordinates appropriate methods needed to distribute commodity in a cost-effective manner.

· Problem solves quality, delivery or design issues on existing orders that plant personnel cannot resolve.

· Manages the phase out of problem suppliers.

· Additional duties as assigned.

· Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Management or related field

· Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s) preferred

· 6+ years progressive purchasing/buying experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience

· Occasional travel either locally, nationally, and/or internationally may be required.

· High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.

· Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning).

· Solid understanding and application of mathematical concepts.

· Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as, internal and external clients.

· Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.

· Ability to work with and influence peers and management.

· Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

· Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk, hear and see.

· Regularly/Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.