Job Title: Buyer - Strategic Sourcing Planner

Department: Purchasing

Reports To: VP of Supply Chain

Position Summary: Responsible for the procurement, cost mitigation, and safety stock levels of raw material components along with finished goods. Prior experience in sourcing, analyzing, negotiating, and purchasing, are all key components of the position. ERP experience is required; Visual is preferred but not necessary.

About Us:

Lab Crafters is the premier manufacturer of laboratory furniture systems, casework, seating, fume hoods, and custom solutions for the life sciences, biotechnology, and higher education. Our mission is to create state-of-the-art laboratory environments by providing innovative products and solutions tailored to support emerging and changing scientific processes and technology.

Minimum Background, Experience, and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain or Business Administration, or equivalent
• Prior experience purchasing flat and rolled steel and electrical components is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Sourcing
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment
• Project experience, ability to work independently
• Strong understanding of MRP, safety stock modeling, and forecasting
• APICS, ISM, Lean, or Six Sigma certification a plus

Tasks / Responsibilities:

• Negotiates pricing and payment terms of supplier agreements. Critically viewing alternative sources and cost reductions, lead time reductions, and quality improvements
• Forecasts and plans advancement blanket orders, and coordinates internally / externally.
• Analyzes inventory positions and ensures adequate safety stock levels are maintained
• Performs quarterly safety stock analysis and presents revised models to management
• Drives cost reduction and mitigates vendor price increases.
• Moitors vendor performance and ensures on-time delivery expectations are met
• Proactively analyzes and identifies alternative sources for components and raw material
• Evaluate and establish adequate vendor contingency programs.
• Negotiates and establishes competitive freight agreements
• Manages vendor relations and engagements
• Sources and expedites material for high-level projects and new product development
• Provides Project Management and Engineering with support as related to sourcing and component negotiations for customer bids
• Effectively communicates, mitigates, and escalates any escalated material delays
• Ensures vendor and item ERP system data is maintained up to date
• Maintains adequate department documentation related to procedures, vendor agreements, contact information, and quotes.
• Makes recommendations to drive continuous process efficiencies
• Serves as a backup for other members of the Supply Chain
• Provides additional support and assistance to Supply Chain Management as requested

Skills:

• Must have the ability to manage supplier agreements and negotiations.
• Must have the ability to understand technical specifications.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively with vendors and internally.
• Must be proficient in Power-Bi MS Office, Outlook, Word, Excel, Etc.
• Must be able to perform at a high level of accuracy.
• Must be proactive and engaging.
• Must have a strong sense of urgency when interacting with vendors and material expedites

Travel:

• 5-10% - Occasional vendor visits and plant tours

*This position is not eligible for sponsorship*

EEO STATEMENT:

Lab Crafters, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or other characteristics protected by law.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.