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

• Identify opportunities for, develop, and implement continuous improvement activities to impact overall purchasing department's quality, cost, and delivery initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard work documentation and other Lean procedures to ensure compliance.
• Source and secure quotes from qualified suppliers of assigned materials to obtain most favorable prices, and products/services consistent with quality requirements.  Source and identify prospective suppliers, analyze and determine capabilities 
• Purchase product to support Materials Planning, Manufactured Products, and Non-Inventory requirements. Works with strategic sourcing to provide input for and  implement enterprise wide sourcing programs, where applicable. 
• Works directly with and closely coordinates with requisitioners including technical stakeholders and and/or varying departments to ensure understanding of product prior to order placement.
• Prepare purchase orders, verifying specifications and price. Distribute purchase orders to suppliers. Monitor item deliveries and expedite orders as needed. Verify receipt of items; resolve any shipping errors with suppliers as needed. Authorize payment for purchase; resolve any invoice errors with Accounts Payable. 
• Keep abreast of current market trends and developments within area of responsibility to take advantage of all opportunities offered to improve quality of service.  Report relevant market changes to management.  Maintain a flow of information to departments on available goods and services as well as price and delivery trends.  Obtain recommendations from suppliers for alternate sources when applicable.
• Develop and implement short and long-term purchase plans for materials and services in area of responsibility.
• Work closely with affected departments (i.e. Operations, Material Planning, Quality Control, etc.) to ensure needed parts, suppliers and / or services are obtained to meet schedule requirements.  Confirm available inventory items by verifying stock and scheduling delivery.
• Negotiate with vendors on pricing, delivery, service and quality as required and within limitations imposed by purchasing procedures.
• Conduct supplier audits. Work with Quality department to assess the supplier's ability to meet STERIS quality requirements. Visits supplier sites. 
• Initiate, evaluate and track supplier cost, quality and delivery improvement initiatives.

Duties - cont'd

• Provides any necessary cost forecasts or reports to Financial Department and Supply Chain Manager for area of responsibility.  Develops and implements annual cost reduction program [without compromising the reliability or quality of STERIS' supply chain.
• Manage supply chain initiatives including making supplier recommendations, coordinating supplier selection on new products and participate on new product development teams from conception through implementation.
• Ensure compliance of company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures any third party outsourced projects are completed within committed time and budget and are integrated with other business and related projects.
• Maintain appropriate purchasing files as required.

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Required Experience

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 7 -9 years of progressive experience in procurement/sourcing/materials management.
• Experience in coordinating activities of other team members in various aspects of procurement and sourcing.
  • OR High School Diploma in lieu of degree plus 16 years of progressive experience in procurement/sourcing/materials management.

Preferred Experience

•  Professional certification (SPM, CPIM, CSCP) preferred.
•  Experience in a lean manufacturing environment preferred.
•  Proficiency with Microsoft Office Word and Excel. Direct hands on experience in an MRP system environment required.

Work Schedule

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• This is a hybrid position based in St Louis, MO.
• The schedule is 3 days/week onsite, 2 days/week remote.