Buyer - Kimball International, Jasper, IN- MFG

High Level Statement of the Role:

Purchase materials at the lowest total cost consistent with considerations of quality, sourcing, delivery and urgency of need. Works under the direct supervision of Commodity Manager.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for execution of MRP schedules, PO management, and inventory management. Ensure the timely acquisition of components in order to support the Manufacturing/Sales process.
• Evaluates strategic opportunities and defines and recommends opportunities for cost savings, service improvements, etc, in support of Commodity Manager efforts
• Supports vendor selection process including supplier capability and quality audits, financial risk assessments, logistical profile, and engineering support levels.
• Assesses supplier performance and provides data-supported input for a formal scorecard process.
• Works with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to drive improvement in the areas of material flow, supply options and actively involved in the support of new product development.
• Leads and directs Supplier Meetings as needed.
• Utilizes knowledge of Vendor Managed Inventory, Kanban, MRP, Returnable bin programs, and Pack Size reductions to develop strategic and tactical recommendations for inventory management.
• Understands the different transportation options and how they can be strategically used to decrease costs and improve service (rail truck, ocean freight, intermodal)
• Responsible for EC input in procurement fields and execution of supplier facing EC related processes
• Able to drive supplier performance improvement activities
• Communicate between customer service, manufacturing and support groups as needed
• Continually improve job knowledge and performance
• Utilizes concepts & practices of Lean Manufacturing (kanban, pull systems VSMs, level-loading, standard work, etc.)
• Owns maintenance and accuracy of system planning data as pertains to Purchasing processes
• Maintain necessary documentation.
• Maintains and orderly and organized works space.

Work/Educational Requirements

• 2 or 4 year degree in Business, Operations or related field preferred or a High School diploma or minimum 2 years of Purchasing/Supply Chain experience in manufacturing support role.
• 1 year Kimball International or HNI experience preferred for internal job seekers

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and business operating systems
• Advanced skills in PC usage. Ability to perform data analysis and use PC tools to effectively communicate.
• Knowledgeable in Purchasing and Manufacturing processes
• Understanding of and ability to implement material strategies, including Lean manufacturing, inventory management, kanban systems, VMI, cost reduction, etc.
• Ability to comprehend and follow job safety guidelines.

Interpersonal Skills

• Possess a high degree of integrity
• Flexible, tactful, assertive, patient
• Ability to build and sustain relationships
• Able to give balanced feedback
• Team oriented/able to work cross functionally
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Customer centric focus
• Ability to be creative
• Able to work effectively with diverse groups
• Ability to keep humor in the workplace
• Positive attitude

Communication Skills

• Effective listener
• Effective written and verbal communications
• Ability to communicate complex issues
• Use of proper grammar
• Proper phone etiquette

Leadership Skills

• Able to make sound, fact based decisions weighing all aspects of a situation
• Strong organizational skills
• Self-managed and motivated
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Ability to adapt to change
• Desire to grow professionally and interpersonally
• Support KII Vision & Guiding Principles

Business Skills

• Good time management
• Strong Purchasing/Supply Chain skills
• Can handle multiple tasks
• Negotiation skills
• Prioritization and follow-through skills
• Awareness of financial and costing fundamentals