Buyer

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement & Strategic Sourcing
• Lead sourcing activities for MRO and packaging categories, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and compliance requirements.
• Conduct RFQs, evaluate supplier bids, and negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels to secure competitive advantage and supply reliability.
• Validate requisitions for compliance with MRO Purchasing Policy prior to approval.
• Ensure purchase order accuracy and alignment with approved specifications and all applicable policies
• Maintain proactive communication with Corporate Sourcing and Supply Chain regarding risks, gaps, or supplier performance issues.
• Escalate urgent procurement situations requiring expedited approval or action.
• Develop project charters for assigned initiatives, including goals, KPIs, and timelines.
• Assuring that the plant(s) consistently sources from the most competitive suppliers and secures cost‑efficient purchasing outcomes.
• Customer Service & Plant Partnership
• Serve as a trusted partner to plant operations, providing responsive, solutions-oriented procurement support.
• Maintain strong communication with maintenance, operations, and plant leadership to understand priorities and upcoming needs.
• Respond urgently to critical or unplanned MRO requirements to minimize production risk.
• Provide timely updates on order status, delays, and issue resolution.
• Balance responsiveness with adherence to sourcing strategy and cost discipline.
• Cost Savings and Financial Impact
• Deliver weekly cost savings and cost avoidance aligned with departmental goals; maintain accurate documentation in the savings tracker.
• Identify cost‑reduction opportunities through data analysis, supplier negotiations, standardization, and material optimization.
• Support corporate sourcing initiatives and cross‑functional cost‑saving projects.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to evaluate and implement cost‑saving ideas and process improvements.
• Packaging Planning & Inventory Management
• Manage packaging inventory levels to ensure supply reliability while minimizing excess and avoiding obsolescence.
• Collaborate closely with production planners to anticipate requirements based on schedules, changes, ramp‑ups/downs, and shutdowns.
• Establish and maintain min/max levels or safety stock based on demand patterns, lead times, and operational variability.
• Support implementation of new packaging solutions, materials, and suppliers.
• Systems, Compliance & Process Discipline
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with corporate strategies, policies, and KSOX requirements.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation for new supplier setup per Sourcing Work Instructions.
• Ensure purchase order pricing accuracy and maintain up‑to‑date due dates in iPurchase.
• Close purchase orders for materials not being delivered to maintain system accuracy and audit readiness.
• Demonstrate strong process discipline and adherence to procurement workflows.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Collaborate with fellow buyers on projects, coverage, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Share tools, insights, and process enhancements to strengthen team performance and consistency across sites.

Analytical & Technical

Behavioral & Leadership

Communication & Collaboration

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent or higher, bachelor’s degree on related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in procurement, and planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in MRO procurement and packaging materials within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Power BI a plus).
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced manufacturing environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office‑based with regular interaction on the plant floor.
• Occasional travel to North American facilities and supplier locations (5–10%).