JOB DESCRIPTION: The Buyer is responsible for the daily management of POs and delivery updates focusing on maintaining target stock levels in support of on time shipments to customers. The position works closely with supply planning, procurement, and distribution to align production plans with company goals connected to inventory management and maintaining low levels of obsolescence. The successful candidate for this position has experience in the manufacturing industry and a strong understanding of supply chain management concepts. RESPONSIBILITIES: Purchasing Cycle Release POs based on anticipated demand to provide an uninterrupted flow of materials and services Coordinate with suppliers, including sending, confirming, and communicating all PO related changes to the supplier in a timely manner. Maintain the accuracy of the open POs and PO records. Expedite orders that are needed in less than the normal lead time to improve the shortfall between the current plan and the requirements to meet or exceed customer expectations. Proactive communication with suppliers when delivery dates are coming due as well as anytime that delivery and/or components issues arise. Monitor on-time delivery, report any foreseen issues, and contribute to improvements in delivery metrics. Conduct daily reviews of shortage and expedites reports to maintain inventory levels. Follow up with suppliers to eliminate delivery exceptions. Perform immediate follow-up with vendors if purchase order has not been delivered or has not been scheduled for delivery. Once PO has been received, review to close PO out of the system. Verify pricing and make changes as needed on the PO and in our system. Assist the Materials Manager with maintaining proper inventory levels of materials used on a regular basis. Keep inventory investment to a minimum. Know how to perform order rescheduling in MRP and understand the various MRP output reports. Rush or defer orders to align with changing customer requirements. Maintain lead time and minimum order quantities on purchase parts in ERP system. Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organization. Anticipate needs and respond to concerns and conflicts. Manage the life cycle of vendors. Identify and pre-qualify potential vendors/alternate sources to meet quality and engineering requirements. Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers. Develop and maintain strategic relationships with reliable suppliers based on total cost of procurement, negotiating favorable pricing, solicit and evaluate quotes. Participate in the supplier performance process. Act as a point of contact between the company and suppliers. Make sure address/contact/phone is kept up to date. Miscellaneous Ordering Submit POs for Engineering and Quality for needed items. Order office supplies and check that we keep stock on needed items. Order cleaning products for factory. Scheduling: Be a backup for the Materials Manager in scheduling production and customer orders as they come in. Freight/Customs: Participate in freight calculations and make sure items are coded correctly for customs. QUALIFICATIONS: Understand standard enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) system technologies. Have knowledge of the foundations of the ERP system Understand the basic principles and operations of the ERP system. Incorporate methods and techniques involved in lean and Just-in-Time (JIT) management. Effectively calculate the inventory required to restock products or parts with inventory models including. Visual Review Two-bin inventory system Periodic review Order Point Identify and reduce or eliminate waste in all areas of a supply chain. High degree of comfort learning and working with computer systems Impeccable attention to detail Analytical and methodical approach to problem solving. Ability to work well in a team. Excellent negotiation skills Communicate clearly to avoid misunderstanding. Demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibility and accountability for ones actions. Demonstrate trustworthiness and professionalism with clients, peers, and team members. Strong work ethic with excellent organization, time management, and problem-solving skills Anticipate changes in work demands and participate in assignments or training that address these changing demands; treat unexpected circumstances as opportunities to learn.
