Purchasing Associate / Buyer - Entry Level

·         The Purchasing Agent-Expeditor reports to the Manager, Supply Chain and performs various purchasing assignments to procure supplies, raw materials, and equipment vital for the operation of the organization, based on MRP or actual customer orders.

·         The buyer role will follow established procedures, practices, and policies to contact vendors, obtain quotations, examine bids, place purchase orders and expedite and monitor delivery of the corresponding material under minimal direction.

·         The buyer will exercise informed judgment and build solid understanding of materials and sources of supply to make purchases at a price consistent with the required quality and quantity.

·         Analysis of data will be required to drive evaluation of opportunities of moderate scope.

·         The successful candidate will show initiative and responsibility, act proactively and seek possible solutions for issues before raising.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Negotiates and generates purchase orders for approved purchase requisitions, and raw material to support production per MRP.

·         Reviews and resolves daily internal purchasing problems and shortages within their commodity and ensures communication to cross functional teams.

·         Reschedules Purchase Orders as required.

·         Supports major cost reduction programs.

·         Returns non-conforming inventory items to vendors within their commodity.

·         Resolves discrepant invoice issues in a timely manner.

·         Confers with suppliers concerning late, on-time and early deliveries. Participates in supplier performance reviews within their commodity.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

·         Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or 1 to 2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Purchasing certificate preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·         Ability to use a PC with Microsoft Office software, proficiency in Excel preferred. Ability to perform data entry into an ERP system such as Oracle.

·         Well organized and must have both good written and verbal communication skills. Collaborative with Employees in various functional areas.

·         Regularly engages with Production leads and Supervisors, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, Demand Planning, R&D Engineering, Accounts Payable and Document Services.

·         Occasionally interacts with Marketing/Sales, and Finance. Builds stable working relationships internally.