Buyer IND

Position: Buyer I IND
Job Description

Basic

Job Functions:

Responsible for obtaining bids and placing orders for supplies, materials, services, and equipment.
Negotiates pricing and delivery with key vendors, supports supplier development activities to established guidelines and in a cost-efficient manner.
Define sourcing strategies and managing contracts, conduct RFQ/tendering and cost comparison analysis.
Responsible for assuring Purchasing Orders are placed and timely deliveries
May delegate work to, and oversee work of, up to two Buyers.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Responsible for managing the commercial relationship between First Solar and its key local suppliers with full compliance to company's code of conduct.
Responsible for processing purchase orders according to established guidelines and in a cost-efficient manner.
Responsible for negotiating pricing and other terms with assigned suppliers to improve product cost, reduce First Solar inventory, and improve cash flow.
May negotiate and place Purchase Orders for significant capital equipment purchases.
Independently investigates new suppliers for improved price, delivery and quality.
Participate in and may lead supplier selection, qualification, evaluation, and re-evaluations for new and current suppliers
Responsible for managing inventory levels of assigned materials.
As required, expedite or de-expedite deliveries and change scheduled quantities to meet changes in production or requirements, including working with Logistics to schedule and arrange timely and cost-effective deliveries.
Notify suppliers of changes in specification and obtain their approval prior to implementing the change.
Notify suppliers of quality discrepancies in their incoming material; with internal and supplier experts, support the identification of root cause and assure corrective action; and assure material disposition is appropriate dealt with.
May work with engineering to modify or finalize specifications
Maintains effective communications levels and fosters team building.
Adheres to all First Solar internal processes and procedures, including safety, SOA, ISO
9000, ISO
14000, and housekeeping standards.
May perform Commodity Management functions on some items, including development of strategic relationships and negotiating long term supply agreements.
May travel, including internationally, to critical suppliers.
Supplier relationships are maintained and improved.
Failure to perform responsibilities will have a significant impact on First Solar production and, ultimately, financial performance.

Experience:

2+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
Some experience directing the work of other buyers is preferred.
Ability to identify and engage local supplier base for best purchasing results for First Solar.

Education:

BE/B-Tech/Degree in Purchasing or related fields or equivalent.

Required Skills:

Behavioral:

Motivated, focused and target driven individual
Proven organizational skills – ability to prioritize.
High level of skill demonstrated in managing suppliers and supplier relationships.
Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
Has thorough knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the Purchasing field.
Knowledge of engineering data bases and managing specification changes with suppliers.
A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Flexibility to work as per different time zones, based on requirement.

Technical:

Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office or equivalent.
In depth knowledge of ERP systems-SAP/Oracle systems.
Broad knowledge of techniques used in negotiating cost reductions along with terms and conditions with suppliers.
Experience in managing Procure to pay Cycle

Physical Requirements (if Any)

Required to sit for long periods of time during the day.
Will walk and climb stairs.
May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist.
Required to lift up to 25 lbs.
May, kneel, stoop, talk and hear.
Required to use hands to handle, carry or feel objects.
Specific vision abilities are required