Senior Buyer

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

As a Buyer at Watlow, you will be part of a team that engineers systems comprising of Watlow's range of products in industries that include Glass, Heat Treat, Life Science, Food & Beverage, Plastics & Water. This role utilizes your knowledge of purchasing industrial controls materials, equipment and supplies allowing us to offer our solutions at competitive prices.

With limited supervision, manage incoming internal purchasing requests, generate external purchasing requests, and track the delivery of goods and services. Is required to use independent judgment and discretion in deviation from established procedures and routines. Will work closely (as required) with small project teams of other employees, sub contractors through project activities related to delivering control solutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans and coordinates physical movement of materials, parts, finished goods, and information to ensure optimization of cost and service level.
• Manages incoming internal purchasing requests, generating external purchasing requests, and tracking delivery of goods and services.
• Purchases and negotiates materials, equipment, and supplies from suppliers.
• Evaluates supplier quotes and services to determine most desirable suppliers.
• Develops & Manages supply base through use of supplier selection, corrective actions, audits and feedback systems
• Negotiates and settles with suppliers regarding damage claims, rejections, return of materials, over-shipments, cancellations and engineering changes
• Negotiates requirements for pre-productions samples.
• Review and follow-up on late supplier shipments.
• Delivers continuous improvement through participation in lean kaizen events
• Maintains technical and practical knowledge to satisfy product and project requirements
• Interacts with Control Panel designers, product specialists and account managers to source products and services.
• Provide complete and timely communication to appropriate sales person.
• Reports design, quality, reliability and maintenance problems to design engineering team.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Recommends and implements solutions within designated area of responsibility
• Technical troubleshooting of process, equipment, and product.
• Contributes in problem solving activities.
• Understand the processes and knowledge in tools and techniques and can apply them in multiple work areas and has the ability to train others on specific skills.
• Identifies ways to reduce waste and improve business processes

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Technical knowledge of Industrial controls materials, equipment and services.
• Capabilities in material management, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), pull systems, flow, and the implementation of lean concepts.
• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Possess exceptional conflict resolution skills and is adept at dealing with situations involving conflict
• Excellent computer skills, including Excel and other Office Tools.
• High attention to detail, follow up and attention to customer service.
• Self-motivator with good communications skills
• Familiar with Oracle Fusion ERP preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Typically a two year degree or technical certificate with (3-5 years) significant experience.
• Leadership Training

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Achievement Award
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.