Lead Buyer

Under minimal supervision, the Lead Buyer sources, develops and maintains suppliers for materials, supplies, and other production- related items. Negotiates pricing and terms favorable to project budget and achieves or exceeds target budget/cost without sacrificing quality or delivery. Works with Production, Programs and Engineering personnel to understand requirements and makes suggestions for viable alternatives when applicable. Monitors repeat buys and makes suggestions as to stock quantities or inventory levels. Ensures compliance to SOX, CMMC, SPRS and internal approval matrices. May assist Estimating in sourcing and costing material/items for RFQ’s. May oversee, train or mentor other Buyers or Purchasing personnel. Come join a growing team!

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Purchasing - 80%

• Examines budgets, drawings and specifications to understand requirements prior to sourcing
• Meets or exceeds target price/cost without sacrificing quality or delivery
• Based on requirements, recommends the best supplier. Creates P.O's and ensures appropriate approvals are obtained prior to placing orders
• Negotiates blanket and annual contracts/service agreements. Reviews contracts to ensure they comply with LWOS's standard T&C guidelines. Negotiates contract terms for favorable to LWOS.
• Monitors approvals, delivery and supplier performance. Modifies P.O's, lead times or expedites orders as required and communicates changes to all affected parties
• Acts as a liaison between company departments and the supplier to resolve issues of production, quality or schedule
• Maintains strong relationships with key suppliers. Utilizes such relationships to leverage favorable terms for LWOS
• Identifies multiple procurement sources where available and maintains information on alternate and/or preferred suppliers
• Identifies areas for cost savings based on competitive suppliers, materials market, etc. and negotiates with supplier for lower costs or better terms
• Discrepancies or difficulties in finding appropriate suppliers/pricing are promptly communicated and resolved
• Participates in Supplier Development/Qualification activities by sourcing, researching and evaluating new suppliers. Makes recommendations for including new suppliers based on their capabilities, quality, pricing and capacity
• Assists Estimating or Programs in securing pricing and quotes for RFG or bid proposal activities

Admin and Continuous Improvement - 20%

• Provides data for analytics, metrics or reporting
• Examines analytics or trends to help determine best stock levels on routine buys or for Kanban activity. Makes suggestions for improvement when appropriate 
• Makes suggestions for alternative products where appropriate to improve cost, quality or delivery times
• Stays informed of the current markets and trends for commonly used materials or parts. Investigates and reports on trends or new suppliers which may potentially impact the company
• May lead or train other Buyers or Purchasing personnel

Education & Experience

• Minimum 7 years of related experience
• BS in Business Administration; Courses in Procurement/Logistics/Operations or APICS certificated required. Years of experience may be substituted for coursework/certification.

Skills

• Skills/Knowledge
  1. Strong customer service orientation.
  2. Strong negotiation skills.
  3. Strong working knowledge of MRP systems (Oracle or IFS preferred)
  4. Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and specifications.
  5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  6. Well-developed organizational, problem solving and reporting skills to enable the coordination of multiple tasks.
  7. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities.
  8. Working knowledge MS Office programs.
• Behavior Competencies: Adaptability; Customer Focus; Innovation; Planning and Organizing; Problem Solving, Decision

Working Conditions

• Professional Office environment 

Physical Requirements

• Occasional walking to various buildings for meeting and supplier visits

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State."