Buyer

Position Summary

The Buyer role is a hands-on position responsible for effectively managing the planning and purchasing of materials to timely support operations and product development. This position will be responsible for strategic planning, purchasing of materials, vendor relationships, inventory management and condiment contracts.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a purchasing capacity within a food/beverage/pharma  manufacturing environment preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience of strong working knowledge with ERP - emphasis with MRP and working knowledge of lot control.
• Advanced level knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite with high proficiency in Excel.
• Great Plains experience is a plus

Desired Qualifications

• Working knowledge of material planning and scheduling methods.
• Experience with project management & expediting and optimizing inventory levels.
• Knowledge of general accounting and finance principles.
• Strong vendor management and contract negotiation skills.
• Ability to multi-task and adjust to rapidly changing priorities and short deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to compose reports and correspondence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively manage their own work load.

Responsibilities under the supervision of the Purchasing Manager

• Reviews buy action report to determine material requirements, then generates purchase orders, generates purchase orders based on MRP demand, historical usage and other pertinent factors.
• Considers freight efficiencies when creating purchase orders to determine the most cost-effective way of purchasing materials while considering the company’s maximum inventory days guideline.
• Evaluates and manages safety stock levels at each re-order point.
• Tracks and expedites purchase orders as needed and ensures materials are scheduled to arrive prior to production requirement.
• Communicates and resolves any materials shortages with appropriate functions.
• Produce the supplier forecast and other tools to ensure supplier success.
• Maintains accurate purchase costs in the company’s ERP system and identifies any price discrepancies.
• Coordinates the return of discrepant materials with vendors and ensures that credits are received.
• Partners closely with the Quality Assurance department for product specifications, quality inquiries, product recall and other quality related activities.
• Monitors purchase price and lead time variances for vendors and takes appropriate action to correct problems identified.
• Considers market conditions and commodity pricing trends as part of inventory level determination.
• Participates in regular meetings as required.
• Responsible for the efficient purchasing of inventory and supplies.
• Performs other duties as necessary or as requested.
• May assist with inventory control

Behavior Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, the individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Work Environment:              

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Office, laboratory, and manufacturing environment.
• Sitting for long periods of time.
• Ability to manage a fast-paced operation that can run 24/7 and that includes a dedicated group of quality minded professionals.
• Ability to travel and work at all Wright Group locations as required.
• Ability to work overtime if required