Buyer / Planner

The Purchasing Agent coordinates activities involved with procuring goods and services such as raw materials, sub-contracting, and supplies in a fast-paced, dynamic contract manufacturing company. This position is responsible for the timely and cost effective procurement of raw materials, outside services, logistic services, packaging materials and other supplies required to support the business objectives and operating plan.

Responsibilities

• Reviews ERP system generated planned purchase orders and release necessary purchase orders for raw materials, sub-assemblies and outside services.
• Issues purchase orders for non-system generated requirements and MRO items as needed.
• Insures timely receipt of all open purchase orders; manage on-time delivery and expedite any late orders from suppliers.
• Coordinates with planning department to insure uninterrupted flow of materials to the work-centers while keeping inventory at the lowest optimum level.
• Contacts suppliers in regards to any nonconforming materials, potential returns and credits.
• Schedules and attends vendor visits for audits, cycle counts, direct ships, etc...
• Coordinates logistics of supplies with the vendors or internal shipping department as required.
• Assists Sales/ Estimating by providing pricing, delivery and supplier capability information as required.
• Manages supplier scorecards to the criteria for effectiveness to meet company objectives.
• Identifies cost savings opportunities and submit for approval from the continuous improvement and/or leadership team.
• Reports weekly and monthly on purchasing and inventory metrics at the staff meeting.
• Enforces terms and conditions of purchase orders, compliance with legal requirements and Company policy.
• Other duties as directed.
  
  

Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant role.
• A minimum of 3 years purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment preferred. Ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of purchasing steel and aluminum sheet products and outside contract services.
• Microsoft Office, MRP/ERP
• APICS Certified is a plus but not required.
• Ability to read standard blueprints and customer specifications. Must be able to multi­ task many objectives and efficiently complete them.
• Language Skills
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, reports, regulations and legal documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.