Job Title:  Senior Buyer

Position Summary

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the purchase of assigned commodities to meet production needs and internal specifications. Commodities include those of a complex nature including the type of commodity and/or volume. The Senior Buyer will handle complex negotiations , will identify, select and manage relationships with suppliers,  will manage the purchasing cycle, including requisitions, purchase orders, will monitor supplier performance, recommend improvements, and address supplier quality  issues related to supplier product.

Duties

• Study market prices and trends, engineering developments and manufacturing method improvements applicable to assigned responsibilities.
• Identify and track market trends in company’s industry for competitive analysis.
• Interview and confer with current and prospective suppliers to determine supply capabilities, transportation logistics, inventory control, and management
• Lead overall product strategy development, R&D requirements and manufacturing coordination for new and emerging products as assigned.
• Purchase assigned commodities according to ERP system messages, requisitions and manual form service requisitions / purchase requisitions.
• Issue purchase orders and change orders for assigned commodities, ensure that proper internal documentation (requisitions / approvals) and external documentation (specifications, drawings) are provided by requestors and to suppliers.

Duties - cont'd

• Manage the return of discrepant material to supplier for disposition per the Material Reject Record and coordinate with Receiving, Quality and Accounts Payable in resolving any receiving issues for materials.
• Utilize ERP reports to ensure adequate inventory of purchased material is maintained in order to meet manufacturing requirements.
• Communicate timely and current information regarding material availability.
• Develop, maintain, and recommend suppliers to support departmental and corporate Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Inventory objectives.
• Maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, utilize ERP and other systems to monitor and report on supplier performance, coordinate and ensure corrective actions are executed as appropriate.  Primary contact with suppliers for assigned commodities.
• Secure and analyze quotes: select existing and/or source new suppliers, negotiate price, payment terms, and lead time with suppliers to include maintenance of information in appropriate system databases.  Conduct negotiations of supply agreements with suppliers.
• Ability to identify and define problems/issues, collect data; establish and draw valid conclusions.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement concepts.
• Occasional travel required to resolve supplier issues and develop new sources.

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Required Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain or related field. (16 years progressive experience in procurement required in lieu of Bachelors Degree)
• 7-9 years progressive experience in procurement/sourcing/materials management.
• Experience in coordinating activities of other team members in various aspect of procurement and sourcing.   
• Professional Certification (SPM, CPIM, CSCP) preferred
• Experience in a lean manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, preferably SAP.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products.
• Familiarity with ISO, FDA, and GMP requirements. 
• Initiates and takes a leadership role in programs aimed at improved quality, delivery, or cost.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and market dynamics for assigned commodities.
• Experience negotiating supplier contracts and executing cost savings projects.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and works well within cross-functional team environments.
• Formal and informal leadership skills.