Sr. Buyer

International electronic controls and data communication products company seeks a buyer, purchasing or materials management professional for a professional and financial growth opportunity. If you have component purchasing expertise and excellent verbal and written communications skills then we have the ideal position for you.

Buyer Planner - Materials Manager

SUMMARY: Supports company objectives by planning, scheduling, procuring and evaluating utilization of materials. Responsible for driving balance between Stock Level, Inventory Investment, and Operational Expense objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Ensures materials orders support organization’s needs by analyzing system procurement recommendations utilizing historical usage data and other variables to project a forward forecast and validate procurement model. Then, amends recommended orders, approves, and places with suppliers to meet pre-defined objectives of Stock Level and Inventory Investment. Also expedites purchased parts as necessary to meet organization’s needs.

* Evaluates and may amend system generated "Optimum" and "Reorder" levels wherever these levels appear out of sync with pre-defined objectives. Consistently reviews, amends, or inactivates system overrides as necessary.

* Evaluates, amends, and communicates changes to delivery schedules with Internal and External Suppliers, maintaining balance between Stock Level and Investment objectives

* Ensures all active spares for assigned products have viable sources meeting company objectives related to quality, cost, and lead time.

* Maximizes cash flow and profits and minimizes inventory investment by driving cost reduction at the component level and negotiating with suppliers to carry some level of Safety Stock to cover for excessive demand situations. Reports suppliers with consistent lead-time, pricing, or quality issues to Sr. Procurement Agent and Management for corrective action.

* Plans and implements Engineering Change Orders (ECO's) by representing department in ECO meetings; reviews content, purpose, and material availability. Establishes Service effective dates with engineering, manufacturing and technical support, minimizing the cost of the change and any detrimental effect on the distribution pipeline. Negotiates change implementation with suppliers, and maximizes inventory utilization through either attrition or return to vendor.

* Ensures completeness and accuracy of Part Master and Item Catalog Records for assigned products. Follows company procedures in establishing item description, standard cost, list price, salvage values, and other critical data contained in these files.

* Maintains obsolescence growth for assigned product lines to under established levels/guidelines of annual procurement for those product lines. Minimizes effects of ECO activity on the distribution pipeline. Validates and resolves unusual field or customer demands. Coordinates end of product support activities with technical support and service marketing. Maximizes inventory utilization of obsolete materials through return to vendor, cannibalization or other means.

* Assists field and end customers in finding viable alternatives to parts replacement in times of critical shortages. Utilizes all available manufacturing databases, technical publications, service bulletins, supplier, engineering, technical support or other contacts until issues are resolved.

* Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related results in a cooperative and supportive manner.
REQUIREMENTS
* Bachelor’s degree (preferably business related) with 6 -10 years experience in materials planning, and a minimum of 2 years in procurement, preferably in a Manufacturing or Service/Distribution environment, or equivalent amount of education and experience.

* Knowledge of material and production computer systems and processes required.

* APICS certification preferred.

* Strong PC skills (intermediate Excel & Word at minimum) MS Access a plus.


Skills and Abilities:

* Attention to detail, strong project management, organization, and coordination skills.

* Ability to analyze and interpret data/reports and take actions aligned with meeting management objectives.

* Clear and concise verbal and written communications; good interpersonal/customer relations skills; effective at win/win negotiations, receptive and supportive of team efforts.

* Ability to read and understand engineering prints/documentation.