The Buyer, under limited supervision, coordinates activities involved with procuring goods and services, such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts, and supplies for the company.
Essential Functions:
- Plans replenishments utilizing AS400 ERP system, and MRP; makes decisions based on price, delivery and inventory disposition; negotiates expedites as needed.
- Approves invoices for payment; works with AP on discrepancies.
- Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information, such as price, availability, delivery schedule.
- Compares prices and makes vendor selections or suggestions; selects products for purchase.
- Ensures that materials, equipment, and supplies are ordered and delivered in a timely manner.
- Determines method of procurement, such as direct purchase or bid; selects sources based upon analysis.
- Prepares purchase orders or bid requests; reviews bid proposals or requests and negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
- Analyzes commodities to develop and implement strategy for long term contracts to leverage and develop savings programs in line with business goals and objectives
- Works with supervisors/managers in various departments and areas of responsibility to define, coordinate, and develop solutions for department or area specific requirements and problems; proactively works to implement value engineering programs.
- Maintains computerized procurement records within the JDE System for items or services purchased including costs, lead time, product specifications, quality or performance, and inventories.
- Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action.
- Proactively work with Suppliers to implement quality, on time delivery and inventory control programs to support Business objectives.
- Works individually and as a team to develop and maintain cooperative and productive relationships with employees at all levels.
- Demonstrate, through actions, a commitment to the philosophy of continuous improvement and multi-disciplined problem solving teams in all aspects of performance.
- Assumes additional related responsibilities as required.
Required Skills
- Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets and database software. MRP experience required; JDE systems experience a plus.
- Demonstrated leadership and team work skills to implement new programs and work effectively with internal and external functions.
- Work requires continual attention to detail in follow through, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and to effectively communicate issues and status to immediate supervisor and other management
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret business documents, technical procedures or operating instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients and customers.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
Required Experience
Bachelor's degree from four-year College or University; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. APICS certification and experience with CIRM, CPIM or CPM preferred.