Buyer III

POSITION SUMMARY:

Updates material planning (ERP) system and coordinates purchasing activities for assigned components or orders. Negotiates terms including pricing and delivery for raw materials, outsourcing services, and sub-components. Develops and maintains relationships with assigned vendors. Communicates timely and effectively with internal customers and vendors regarding ordering activities, and changes to orders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Forecasting: Manages and forecasts assigned materials and components to ensure appropriate inventory levels to support customer delivery requirements.

• Procurement: Responsible for all purchasing functions related to the procurement of goods and materials as assigned, including source selection, order placement and follow-up. Manages order changes with suppliers to avoid cost and delivery delays. Negotiates pricing and delivery terms with vendors that are not part of a master agreement or corporate contract. Analyzes weekly reports on past due purchase orders; follows up on back orders and communicates delays and changes to other materials, manufacturing, and sales/customer service personnel as appropriate. Utilizes ERP (SAP) system in compliance with supply chain processes. Ensures purchase orders are confirmed within defined time parameters.

• Supplier Trends: Analyzes supplier performance data to identify issues, recommend and implement corrective actions. Monitors purchase price variances and resolves discrepancies with vendors. May research and evaluate new vendors. Works with Quality personnel as required when supplier performance impacts product quality.

• Customer Service: Serves as liaison to vendors and suppliers; communicates information internally and externally to ensure appropriate personnel are notified of delays,

changes, and errors with goods ordered & received.

• Metrics: Records information as required for timely and accurate measure of performance regarding procurement activities and supplier performance.

-Education: Keeps abreast of market trends and both domestic and international events that might impact vendor performance, delivery, or pricing changes. Obtains/maintains professional certifications and completes continuing education requirements for such.

• Other responsibilities as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience Required:

• Experience in scheduling, inventory control, or production, and/or procurement for a manufacturing environment required.

• Experience using Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and Word, is required; experience with SAP strongly preferred.

  
  

• Demonstrated effectiveness in both verbal and written communications is required. Tact, discretion, and professionalism are essential.

  
  

• Evidence of skills & attributes including effective listening, gathering complete information, ensuring accuracy, problem-solving, negotiating, researching discrepancies, and handling conflict are critical. The ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, meet compressed deadlines, and handle frequent interruptions is essential.

  
  

Education/Training Required:

• Associate’s degree in business (or international equivalent) is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

  
  

• APICS or similar professional certification preferred, may be required for advancement to higher levels.

  
  

• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office software

  
  

• Proficiency in the use of ERP system relative to inventory transactions (SAP experience strongly preferred)

  
  

XJ6