Senior Supply Chain Buyer

The Supply Chain Senior Buyer position is responsible for creating and implementing purchasing strategies to support productivity and working capital objectives for assigned product category. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform buying duties for assigned commodities in alignment with the corporate supply chain vision and best business practices.
• Provide assistance and input to management in developing departmental goals, objectives and budgets for successful implementation of the corporate operating plan.
• Initiate and evaluate quotations, seek, and qualify new sources of supply, negotiate for best overall price, delivery, service, and quality.
• Negotiate and create moderate to complex supplier contracts based on competence, competitive standing, and alignment with company vision; maintain cost control and drive cost reduction.
• Select, issue, and manage appropriate purchase contracts, i.e., purchase orders, schedule and blanket purchase/price agreements for materials and services.
• Analyze market trends, potential supply base, and recommend sources of supply.
• Select, develop, evaluate and manage quality supplier base, utilizing current supply management techniques and methods.
• Promote supplier development and relationships to achieve long-term partnerships with suppliers that will be mutually beneficial.
• Lead, participate, and assist cost reduction initiatives with other departments including but not limited to engineering.
• Lead the development of short and long-range purchasing strategies in order right-size the supply base, reduce cost, and improve service to internal customers.
• Assist supply chain leadership in daily operations as requested; may assume responsibility for department operation in absence of supervisor.
• Attend daily cross-functional team meetings and support parts flow to operations, responsible for resolution of escalated supplier issues.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to focus on key projects such as e-commerce, product development, spend/cost reduction analysis.
• Participate and assist at the plant level quality objectives relating to supplier performance and evaluation processes.
• Prepare reports, value analysis studies and perform other procurement duties as assigned.
• Guide/coach team members and contribute to growth of other professionals.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, management, business administration, engineering, managerial systems or related field preferred.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Purchasing Certification (CPSM) is a plus.
• Experience in lean manufacturing and/or Six Sigma.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge in Infor XA, E-procurement solutions, and/or experience in ERP Systems.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills coupled with innovative thinking toward value creation.
• Ability to read blue prints with knowledge of raw materials.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation skills coupled with innovative thinking toward value creation for the organization.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

COMPETENCES

• Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Resourcefulness - Adapts to changing circumstances and priorities; effectively copes with unexpected interruptions, delays, and demands.
• Action-Oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not directly supervise other associates.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Typically sits, grasps items and performs keyboarding for frequent operation of a computer

• Stand, walk, bend, reach or otherwise move about occasionally
• Lift, move or otherwise transfer items up to 30 lbs. occasionally
• Occasional exposure to typical machine shop physical hazards
• Travel by air or car frequently.