North American Purchasing Buyer

The Purchasing Buyer is responsible for working directly with suppliers to negotiate pricing and provide quality and delivery support to affected locations. The Purchasing Buyer works with new and existing suppliers to create and update purchasing contracts. The Purchasing Buyer is responsible for initiating cost savings projects and following up on progress at the plant level. The Purchasing Buyer supports all departments with purchase order and item maintenance, and vendor delivery issues both in the US and Mexico.

Reporting to: NA Purchasing Leader

• Manage regional activities on:
  Import Compliance, MRO Spending and Freight coordination
• Import Compliance:
• Ensure all import activities comply with international trade regulations and company policies.
• Maintain accurate documentation for customs clearance and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to resolve any import-related issues.
• MRO Spending:
• Manage the procurement of MRO supplies, ensuring cost-effective purchasing while maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor and analyze MRO spending to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and favorable terms.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound freight activities within North America.
• Optimize freight routes and negotiate rates with carriers to minimize costs.
• Track shipments and resolve any transportation-related issues to ensure timely delivery.
• Set up inbound and outbound expedited freight as needed.
• Responsible for costing on new items and updated budget as related to freight and duties (landed costs) on raw and indirect materials.
• Other Purchasing Functions:
• Liaison to Asahi Kasai Supply Chain Council to optimize MRO and freight cost
• Backup to purchasing inbox management when primary is out of office and respond or re-direct inquiries promptly.
• Maintain the contract database (Concur) and ensure all contracts are up to date.
• Initiate contracts for new suppliers and updating contracts with existing suppliers when expiration date is looming.
• Assist AP or Plants to resolve PO pricing and invoicing issues with suppliers.
• Manage utility contracts (gas, electricity, etc.).
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards to evaluate performance.
• Update banking changes for suppliers as needed.
• Negotiate pricing and manage cost reduction activities, including follow-up at the plant level in area of responsibility
• Conduct periodic meetings with assigned commodity suppliers to discuss performance and brainstorm cost savings initiatives.
• In-person / on-site meeting frequency to be determined by Purchasing Leader. Maximum domestic travel 25%
• Support NA plant-level buying activities as needed for assigned commodities.

• Microsoft Office proficient with emphasis on Excel (Power BI, Pivot tables, etc.) and Power Point
• Strong time-management skills, ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Self-starter and eager to expand skillset and knowledge to progress within role.
• Knowledge of basic purchasing and accounting practices.
• Ability to interact with personnel across multiple departments, plants, and various levels of management.

• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing, import compliance, and freight coordination.
• Strong knowledge of international trade regulations and customs procedures.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. SAP, QAD, JOMAR, etc)