Buyer M. Holland is a leading international distributor of materials, service and solutions to the thermoplastics industry, providing suppliers with the most strategic channels to market, offering innovative sourcing and supply chain solutions to its clients, and providing talented people with rewarding career opportunities. Since 1950, a deep commitment to personal relationships has formed the core of the company’s heritage, its culture, and its vision. Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, M. Holland sells in excess of 1.5 billion pounds of plastic resin to more than 4,000 clients in 50 countries annually. The company is serious about its brand statement ‘’ We Take Plastics Personally” -- and it is committed to transforming the plastics experience for clients, suppliers and its people. Summary This role is responsible for planning inventory, purchasing materials, collaborating with others, supporting peers, and developing themselves to meet the overall objective of having the right inventory in the right place, at the right time. Executing and supporting a philosophy of commercially minded growth with fiscal awareness and responsibility. Critical Activities Adheres to the purchase planning process (e.g. generate PO’s, manage changes, ensure order confirmation with all required timeliness.) Suggests changes to the ERP/Master Data configuration, customizations, and data (e.g. demand planning, purchasing, MRP, etc.) Review/analyze reporting to ensure inventory targets, service goals, aged goals, and logistics expense goals. Ensure network balancing to meet these goals. Complete monthly root cause analysis on inventory, aged inventory, obsolete inventory, and service trends. Monitor aged and obsolete inventory and develop a plan to mitigate accordingly. Vendor Tracking: Monitor and analyze reporting on vendor performance. Perform root cause analysis and corrective action for performance outside of control limits. Strives for professional interactions with external suppliers Analyze purchase requisitions versus inventory targets, service considerations, demand and sourcing options prior to generating PO’s. Manage the PO release process through vendor minimum and alternative means to satisfy demand requirements (MRP). Reporting & Presentation: participate and/or lead meetings to discuss supply or vendor issues with applicable stakeholders. Validate, revise and/or recommend changes to system data via interaction/communication with Product Managers and suppliers. Communicate vendor backorder issues to client experience, product managers, and supply chain managers. Understand business commercialization and Stage Gate process; work to improve total time to market. Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning by building skills, earning credentials, and increasing responsibilities Knowledge & Skills An undergraduate degree is required for this position, and an advanced degree would be considered an asset. Advanced level skill in Microsoft Excel (for example: functions, inserting charts, pivot tables, Solver/Data Analysis tool). Basic understanding of the distribution business, the procure-to-pay process, and purchase or supply chain planning. Knowledge of Database Applications (Access or Business Objects) Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as algebra, probability, and statistical inference to practical situations. Ability to communicate technical information clearly and simply. Ability to communicate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders to make decision. Possess knowledge of Six Sigma/LEAN beneficial. Minimum of 1 year of experience purchasing or inventory management experience with increasing levels of responsibility in a distribution, commodity-based, or a closely aligned sector in North America Minimum of 3 year of experience purchasing or inventory management experience with increasing levels of responsibility in a distribution, commodity-based, or a closely aligned sector in North America Independent troubleshooting: MRP, service, inventory, supplier, and demand issues for purchasing outcomes. To learn more about M. Holland, please visit www.mholland.com M. Holland is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.