Raw Material Buyer

Company Overview

Our operation is simple – we manufacture tires. But at Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Virginia (YTMV), we see it as moving the world. From the racetrack to Main Street, we put our customer’s destination at the heart of our work, ensuring the millions of tires we produce annually exceed expectations in quality, safety, and environmental consciousness. Rooted in Salem since 1989, we have a history of excellence in both our products and our people.

Summary

We are searching for an analytical thinker who is able to envision every aspect of the supply chain in the decisions they make as a Raw Material Buyer. In this role, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the procurement of raw materials to ensure uninterrupted production. The ideal candidate will excel in building strong supplier relationships, maintaining inventory levels, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. If pivot tables, v-lookups, and forecasting are your jam, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

As the Raw Material Buyer, you will play a crucial role in supporting plant production by procuring raw materials and other products used in the development of our high-quality products. You will be responsible for controlling price, lead time, and service. In doing so, you will be responsible for:

• Procures raw materials and schedule logistics of inbound cargo.
• Selects best supplier for raw materials based on price, quality, and service
• Evaluates current suppliers and recommends changes, if required.
• Selects and adopts new suppliers to minimize production risk. Coordinates completion of New Vendor Set-up Form and all required documents.
• Maintains & updates information related to materials and suppliers. Communicates critical information to Management in a timely basis with issues related to supply, packaging, and market changes or conditions.
• Prepares monthly Purchase Price Variance reports for raw materials as well as completing forecasts for upcoming periods. Participates in meetings with Management to help explain results and ongoing activities.
• Submit annual targets for cost reductions and supplier situational improvements.
• Reviews open Purchase Order Report on a monthly basis for correctness. Performs routine review of raw materials stored in warehouse, provides feedback on FIFO issues, untagged materials, or obsolescence issues.
• Work directly with freight forwarders/Customs Brokers to ensure imported goods comply to all regulations.
• Maintain thorough, accurate documentation of all cargo imported into the U.S. for potential audit.
• Assists in development of raw material standard costs for yearly budget by collecting information on critical materials, pricing trends, etc.
• Perform yearly Bid Process for raw materials. Make decisions on how to allocate
• YTMV’s purchasing needs based on Supplier price, location, dependability, and quality, etc.
• Presents improvement ideas to Management and assists with the implementation.
• Provides back-up to other Purchasing employees, as required.

Knowledge and Skills

Our ideal candidate would have the following experience and attributes. However, we believe in a culture that recognizes not everyone’s path is the same. If you feel your knowledge and abilities will be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply.  

• Expertise as a Buyer with the proven ability to meet and exceed goals. Experience in the Tire or Rubber industry is preferred, but not required
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Purchasing or another related field
• The ability to work as part of a team, helping to strengthen the team as a whole and its individual members
• A strong understanding of Microsoft Excel and how to use its capabilities to solve complex problems through data
• Extensive knowledge of inventory structure, FIFO, purchasing, and supply chain
• You will use your strong communication skills to facilitate strong relationships with suppliers, negotiate when necessary, and keep the Company objectives top of mind
• You are a strategic thinker, with the ability to suggest creative solutions for long-term success

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing or related field