General Summary

Buyers are primarily responsible for the planning, selection and buying of merchandise for retail establishments. Duties include acquiring request for quote, creating purchase orders, monitoring order status, reconciling receipts with accounting and creating reports for the management team. For Planning, this involves monitoring inventories for accuracy and assuring the ERP system is configured in a manner for proper operation to drive reports that are used for buying and production operation.

Job Responsibilities

Analyze supply / demand information and generate purchase orders to assure inventory targets are maintained. Critical function is to ensure purchase order integrity and accuracy.
Conduct purchasing activities for new product development (low volume / quick turn), established product (patterned / predictable) and mature / declining inventory (at-risk supply).
Work with the inventory management team to ensure that all deliveries satisfy the assigned purchase orders and provide timely reporting of any back-ordered or missing products.
Resolve discrepancies within the purchasing process. Formulate and implement corrective action plans to resolve recurring problems.
Prepare and evaluate supplier quotes to make appropriate sourcing selections.
Source suppliers through evaluation of technical capability, capacity, customer service, lead-time, quality, and cost with assistance as needed.
Monitor overall effectiveness of supplier performance. Communicate performance to involved groups and, when issues are present, assist in establishment of corrective action plans.
Aide in the development of short and long-range purchasing strategies to support corporate purchasing objectives and supplier-base management initiatives.
Work closely with the Logistics group to ensure all import / export requirements are fulfilled.
Identify opportunities for improvement and perform an integral part in implementation.
Develop internal/external networks to build relationships with supply base.
Assist in the disposition of inactive / obsolete materials.
Coordinate activities associated with sub-contract manufacturers to assure consigned material is accounted for and inventory accuracy is maintained.
Assist with the shipping process to ensure packages go out on-time and information meets the requirements of the destination location.
Other tasks as assigned by the department manager.

Job Performance Measures

Meet financial targets for safety stock and WIP
Accuracy of materials data in ERP.
Meet targets for percentage of accepted on-time deliveries to customers.
Coordinate with production to meeting WIP targets.
Manage supply chain to meet inventory turn targets.
Meet targets of “production line down” in hours.
Effectiveness of communication internally, with suppliers and customers.

Job Requirements

Education and Certification(s) Required

Minimum 3-5 years of related experience desired.
Minimum 2 year degree in a related field desired, Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Strong negotiation and problem solving skills with the ability to influence others.
Comprehensive understanding of MS Office applications and industry standard purchasing software.

Experience Required

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in supply chain or relevant materials management role in a manufacturing environment. Previous management experience preferred.

Knowledge Required

Advanced knowledge of material planning
Advanced knowledge of material flow in manufacturing
Intermediate knowledge of financial metrics

Skills / Abilities Required

Exemplary attention to detail.
Ability to work well with a team.
Able to thrive in a highly diverse and fast-paced environment.
Extensive knowledge of purchasing policies and procedures.
Experience in the manufacturing industry and a strong understanding of supply chain.
Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
Thorough understanding of negotiations and execution of agreements.
Ability to set appropriate priorities and work effectively within a rapidly changing environment.
General knowledge of domestic and international contract law.
Ability to develop / implement short and long-term strategic plans.
General understanding of reasonable cost.
Demonstrates knowledge and expertise in international trade.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Working Environment & Culture

Normal office and light manufacturing conditions. Mobile work flexibility available.

Confidential Information

Some company financial, supplier pricing, intellectual property and trade secrets.

Travel

Less than 10%. Some US or international travel may be required.