Electronic Components Buyer

Position: Buyer DATE: 11/2/2021 Reports to: Operations Manager

Department: Purchasing

Nature and Scope The Buyer will focus the negotiation and establishment of key contracts primarily, but not solely, on capital and higher risk sources of supply for materials wherever needed in the company. Responsible for setting sourcing strategies, negotiating purchasing terms and conditions and then the procurement of all assigned items. Purchasing considerations include but are not limited to the following: economical purchase quantities, compositions, quality, quantity and combination, while considering the total cost of usage/acquisition, including internal resources. Coordinate all supplier contacts and act as team leader on supplier-related projects. Communicate promptly any material problems to Controller and lead in finding solutions. Assist in the development of accurate production materials standard costs. Understand and maintain the purchasing (MRP) system to provide accurate information to all. Responsibility Negotiate and purchase complex electronic active and passive devices, mechanical assemblies, equipment, tools and services. Provide guidance and training to other department employee in procurement procedures and methods. Support material cost proposal preparation (i.e. the compilation of data) for ultimate submission to customer as directed by contract administrator and/or pricing estimators. Prepare request for quotations (RFQ). Perform detailed price analysis of supplier quotations, comparing quoted prices to engineering estimates, last actual purchases of identical or similar items, or other available references. Gather and maintain historical program files for material pricing reference. Award purchase orders to competitively qualified suppliers and to single/sole source suppliers.

1. Evaluate the current supply base for major commodities and develop new or existing suppliers (alternate sources) to support future requirements; manage ongoing supplier relationships; ensure timely procurement of items assigned (i.e. raw materials, packaging components, contract-manufactured items, and non-inventory purchases and services in support of the global business; maintain contacts with key suppliers.

2. Negotiate and administer strategic partnership agreements (purchasing and supply agreements) with Key Suppliers as assigned.

3. Negotiate price and supply terms for selected major commodities; issue purchase orders, and follow-up to ensure timely deliveries.

4. Assist in the resolution of supply problems and supervise the follow-up and expediting of supplier deliveries.

5. Develop and monitor timetables to ensure the availability of materials to support new product launch programs. Establish Efficient & Effective Processes that:

A. Investigates and attains approval to implement procurement systems improvements; serves as Team Lead for various project initiatives, managing both technical and non-technical team members.

B. Provide business expertise to the Purchasing department and senior management.

C. Provide support and expertise in negotiations and resolution of issues with key suppliers in support of the overall Strategic Plan and annual production planning requirements.

D. Implement both short and long term corrective actions and process improvements with suppliers to ensure continued product supply and compliance with applicable agreements and regulations.

E. Participates as needed in the Supplier Review Board, assists in the maintenance of supply reliability through the implementation of supplier-related policies and procedures, approval and maintenance of the Approved Supplier List, and facilitator of continuous improvement of the supplier management process.

Qualifications / Requirements Strong knowledge and understanding of procurement policies. Previous experience in a fast-paced electronics manufacturing environment. Experience with a wide variety of commodities including complex build to print and contract manufacturing. Must be able to provide the company with well-rounded industry knowledge in the commodity groupings assigned to his/her buying assignments. Offshore procurement experience. Demonstrated ability to find and develop key suppliers (high quality, low cost). Excellent customer service skills. Team player with excellent communications skills. CPM and/or APICS certification preferred Associate or BS. Business degree or its equivalent.