Senior Buyer

Power/mation is a nationally recognized distributor specializing in advanced automation hardware and software products. We help our customers improve their manufacturing processes by assisting them in the application of unique automation solutions in the following technology areas: motion control, logic control, robotics, pneumatics, software, sensors, vision, safety, power transmission, panel components and services.

Power/mation began in 1961 and has offices and/or sales territories within Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and the Dakotas. For more information, please visit our web site at www.powermation.com .

Power/mation has an immediate career opportunity for a Senior Buyer in our St. Paul office. This individual negotiates contractual agreements and performs buying tasks of a complex nature exercising independent judgment and requiring substantial experience in assigned commodities and relevant procedures. Purchases items at favorable pricing consistent with quality, quantity, item and specification required to provide optimum service to customers and best profit possible. Provides guidance and training to other purchasing personnel to ensure that the best buying practices are followed.

1. Manages more complex requisitioned materials, components, and services using creative buying/negotiating strategies consistent with the designated quality and quantity requirements, and contractual polices of authorized suppliers to maximize profit potential.
2. Analyzes situations accurately to develop an effective course of action.
3. Provides accurate pricing information on a timely basis to support the quoting activity of the Company, if required.
4. Builds professional relationships with the qualified supplier base by use of progressive purchasing techniques, which include professional contacts, trade publications, exhibits, and other means available. Maintains a current file on suppliers and products in conjunction with commodity and department responsibilities.
5. Keeps operations and inside/outside sales and management informed on delivery schedules, material lead-times and other pertinent information which includes supervising the ordering and expediting of stock parts to improve inventory integrity and availability. Travels as needed to Power/mation offices to enhance relationships and to review and resolve internal and external challenges.
6. Team leader in meetings as necessary to resolve problem situations or plan for future changes. Recommends, develops, and implements or participates in such projects which will facilitate the achievement of the Purchasing, and other departmental, as well as Company goals and objectives.
7. Evaluates and manages inventory ordering control, order policies, and release quantities to ensure component availability and optimum inventory levels. Reviews and resolves discrepant supplier invoices.
8. Negotiates favorable contract terms with all assigned vendors and leads meetings with suppliers to present and resolve problems. Develop measurements that ensure supplier performance meets the Companies objectives. Keeps current with new technology and market changes. Keeps sales and others informed of market developments relating to price, quality, delivery, future availability of materials, and supplier stability.
9. Works with sales force and vendor reps to recommend appropriate inventory to service the customer base.
10. Negotiates disposition of substandard materials and advises the supplier of the reason for rejection, cost of returning and if the material is to be replaced or returned for credit. Ensures timely and economical semi-annual returns of inventory products.
11. Negotiates with vendors to resolve elimination of all undesirable inventory.
12. Uses personal computer to analyze, resolve, and communicate supplier and inventory statistical information.
13. Develops strategies that will lead to improvement in supplier performance based on Power/mation's quality policy and procedure requirements.
14. Performs miscellaneous assignments as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School diploma or equivalent. Three years purchasing experience preferably in industrial or distribution field. Continued education showing purchasing related topics. Proficiency with personal computer usage in Excel and Microsoft Word.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Written and verbal communications skills to accurately communicate with suppliers and company personnel to facilitate problem solving and communicate status of orders.
2. Organizational skills to process purchases efficiently and ensure follow-up when necessary.
3. Ability to handle details to ensure accuracy of orders.
4. Ability to handle multiple and changing priorities.
5. Knowledge of principles of inventory control, purchasing, accounting, sales and basic supervision skills.
6. Has sufficient level of specific knowledge to function as a resource to other buyers for department related questions.
7. Ability to perform analysis of vendor performance reports.

BENEFITS:

Medical, dental and vision plans, life insurance, short term and long term disability, health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, 401k with company match feature, discretionary profit sharing plan, educational assistance, paid time off, paid holidays including birthday and service anniversary.