Buyer - Pocahontas Plant

Job Type: Full-time

Duration of role: Permanent

Reporting to: Production Control Manager

Location: Pocahontas, Arkansas

About Us

At Tate we are passionate about everything we do. As an independent brand operating within Kingspan Group, a global plc group of companies, Tate has been recognized worldwide as an industry leader in the development and manufacture of data center infrastructure solutions and commercial office raised access floors, for over 60 years. With revenues of over $420m and growing, Tate plays a pivotal role in offering expertise in cutting edge design engineering in order to craft solutions, by working collaboratively with clients as a trusted partner.

Tate continues to grow and expand, operating multiple manufacturing and commercial sites across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We are excited about our fresh, dynamic, and inclusive team of experts working on new innovations and forward-thinking designs, as we remain a market leading player within our industry. We continue to invest heavily in the best available manufacturing tools and equipment needed to adhere to Tate’s world class standards and in keeping with our Planet Passionate sustainability strategy, our focus is on having minimal climate impact.

We are excited by potentially welcoming you as part of our team as we continue to grow on a worldwide scale.

About the Role

The Plant Buyer supports all aspects of our Pocahontas, AR produced products. Performs purchasing functions in a fast-paced and dynamic environment to ensure adequate flow of critical materials. Sources new products and suppliers as required for specific initiatives. Works among multiple teams to successfully fulfill customer requirements. Actively participates in problem-solving exercises, communicates concerns, and issues, and works towards successful resolutions. Identifies opportunities for improvement and acts to implement process changes.

What You’ll Do

• Supports manufacturing and commercial teams by ensuring adequate and timely flow of materials and services.
• Gains full understanding of all material applications and uses and constructability of finished products.
• Monitors and corrects inventory and initiates corrective actions with team when necessary. Suggests alternate uses to avoid material obsolescence.
• Gains critical understanding of material costs, commodity swings, and cost drivers to obtain most advantageous and competitive prices.
• Develops and manages vendor relations and transactions, communicate issues and non-conformances, measures performance, and ensures compliance.
• Aggressively identifies and implements cost saving opportunities and opens supply chain avenues to new vendors.
• Actively participates in project forecasting for purposes of resource and material planning.
• Assists with resolving critical situations and revisions with professional deportment and provides support to multiple Tate teams in the execution of customer requirements.
• Establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships with all inter-company departments and personnel, as well as suppliers.
• Is accountable for accuracy on all transactions and all levels of systemic functions and complies with all corporate regulations and procedures.
• Maintains awareness of individual contribution to and impact of the quality, safety, environmental, and product compliance policies and activities; reports all quality issues, unsafe acts, and unsafe conditions to the proper personnel.
• Works with maintenance team to purchase MRO supplies and components.

Additional Expectation

• Remain compliant with the Code of Conduct and Policies which includes the Kingspan Group Compliance Policy.
• Ensure that all duties related to product compliance are adhered to in accordance with the Product Compliance Policy, Laws, Regulations, and market demands.
• Responsible for all tasks to achieve compliance goals and demands of the Compliance Management System.
• Must raise concerns related to the Compliance Management System to their supervisor, manager, or any member of the Leadership Team, or through the confidential whistle blower service.

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in supply chain, business administration, or related discipline preferred. Equivalent experience in lieu of a degree may be considered.
• A minimum of 2-4 years relevant experience in a supply chain and procurement functions, and/or sufficient experience to have demonstrated capacity, means, aptitude, and initiative to solve problems, develop process improvements and achieve desired outcomes.
• Knowledge and practice with purchasing processes, vendor sourcing, supplier negotiation, as well as determining and understanding cost drivers and market conditions.
• Previous experience with material management, inventory control, and MRP systems.
• Ability to read and understand specifications and read technical drawings desired.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.) applications and computer technology.
• Occasional travel to suppliers/vendors may be required.

Employee Benefits

• Career Scope and Advancement: As we grow, new positions and career opportunities arise, offering accelerated paths for the right candidates, locally and globally.
• World of Wellness Philosophy: We empower you to take charge of your health and well-being. You’ll have access to a wide range of medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with personalized guidance from a “Health Advocate.” We also offer other supplemental options, including 401k, legal, disability, and theft insurance, to ensure your financial wellness.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Through Planet Passionate we are determined to reduce our manufacturing carbon (CO2e) emissions to as close to zero as technically possible, together with halving carbon intensity in our primary supply chain. We are very involved in our community, and you will have ample opportunities to support us in creating a better world.
• Skills Development: Given the dynamic pace of our business and a strong collaborative environment, your new role will be diverse and multifaceted – allowing you to be more versatile and develop a broader skill set.
• Mentorship and development: At Tate, we don’t believe in hierarchy, we work together as one team for one common goal. You will have access and exposure to our senior leaders and experts for learning in your role, and additionally mentorship for the future.
• Culture: We have a great team culture, highly collaborative, supportive, and social. Together we innovate, collaborate, take ownership, and strive for excellence.

Tate is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn for insights into life at Tate. Join us in our mission to make a difference through exceptional solutions.