Lead Buyer

The Lead Buyer is responsible for the purchase of domestic and international raw materials, custom parts, commercial parts, services, tooling, and office supplies required for the operations of Vital Materials. Some materials will be complex and technical in nature. The Lead Buyer will purchase and negotiate these items based on the best price, quality, payment terms, delivery times, and projected inventory levels required to maintain current operation and production demands. The individual will Lead Buyer(s) and report to operations management.

Job Responsibilities:

• Comply with Vital Materials Safety Policies and Procedures
• Reviews production schedules, supplier lead time, and related information and utilizes SAP to determine direct material requirements for Purchase Order (PO) placement
• Review safety stock and min/max levels for inventoried items periodically and adjust to support delivery of materials at the right place, time, and quantity to support operations
• Monitors the quality and timeliness of materials and goods supplied; follows up the status of purchase orders with vendors to ensure timely delivery; and communicates status of orders with internal customers
• Update Master Data as required in SAP
• Will perform vendor audits, vendor development, RFP/RFQ’s, order placement, quality performance, and logistics. 
• Process purchase requisitions for expense items as required
• Ensure all goods and services are procured according to technical specifications
• Utilize preferred suppliers and contract pricing when available
• Maintain supplier list, and ensure adequate alternates or multiple suppliers are available for materials that are in short supply, difficult to normally acquire, or have high lead times
• Receive acknowledgement of Purchase Orders, expedite to meet delivery date and track until closed
• Communicate open PO status weekly to stakeholders

• Responsible for identifying value engineering opportunities (cost savings/avoidances + improved quality) and project management.

• Track root cause for on time delivery misses/stock outs and implement corrective action
• Act as a liaison between supplier and Division Accounts Payable to resolve issues affecting timing payment including but not limited to: PO receipt; invoice disputes, Payment term resolution, received not vouchered, shipped not received
• Establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with vendors and contractors to resolve issues relating to delivery, quality, price, or other conditions of purchase
• Perform onsite supplier visits/inspections to maintain a high level or rapport or when multiple issues arise from the same supplier
• Act as a mentor to other buyers, provide guidance, set goals, and conduct performance reviews.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, materials management, or supply chain activity in a manufacturing environment with hands on experience with ERP systems.
• Strong background in ERP Systems/MRP (SAP experience strongly desired)
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Thorough knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within Supply Chain.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in MS Office (intermediate level or higher)
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
• Adapt easily to changing conditions, requirements, and environment.
• Self-directed and ability to work independently

Education:

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience

Location:

Perrysburg, Ohio

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will lift up to 10 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work requirements.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment as required.

Please note: Potential candidates will meet education and experience requirements provided in this position and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.  All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check, pre-employment drug screen, and any other test that may be required for the role.

About Vital:

Vital Materials is a global materials technology and equipment company. Established in 1995 in China, Vital Materials has vertically integrated industrial and commercial operations located in North and South America (Head Office in US), Europe (Head Office in Belgium), and Asia (Head Office in China) with over 6,000 employees worldwide.

Vital Materials evolved rapidly since our founding, yet we remain focused in the areas of rare-metals-based advanced materials and resource recycling. We are the world's leading manufacturer of selenium and tellurium products as well as being a key producer of gallium, indium, germanium, bismuth, and cadmium products for diverse end markets and hi-tech applications including semiconductors, displays, electronics, photovoltaics, LED, infrared materials, acousto-optics, thermoelectrics, photosensors, radiation detectors, pharmaceuticals, feed additives, glass, ceramics, and metallurgy. In addition, we produce custom manufacturing equipment for many industries like the energy, semiconductor, and automotive industry just to name a few.

Vital's persistent emphasis in R&D supports our endless efforts in quality excellence and our continuous development on clean technologies. This enables us to fulfill our motto, "Working for a better world", and continue growing as a responsible and sustainable materials technology group.