Sr. Buyer

Summary

Responsible for the most critical or difficult procurements that require a greater degree of experience, knowledge, professionalism, and administration. Responsible for establishing, coordinating, and administering long‑term purchase agreements for assigned commodities. Provides guidance and assistance to other procurement personnel. At this level is proficient in all aspects of the job. Oversees the department in the absence of the Purchasing Manager.

• Receive approved requisitions and review for completeness and necessary information.
• Select reliable sources, request bids as necessary, evaluate quotations, and make final supplier selection according to company established criteria.
• Thoroughly understand and follow all policies governing procurement in order to instruct Buyers in their applications.
• Fight price increases and negotiate with suppliers as necessary on new procurements or changes to existing purchase orders.
• Ensure that active purchase orders are complete and accurate at all times, reflecting the latest requirements and terms and conditions in compliance with company‑supplier agreements and all governing regulations.
• Coordinate, conduct, and participate in meetings and discussions between suppliers and supplier representatives and related personnel concerning subjects other than normal price, delivery or quality negotiations (e.g., value analysis, engineering, new methods, techniques, processes).
• Provide guidance and assistance to other Procurement personnel.
• Perform special activities as requested by management.
• Maintain and monitor inventory levels on all assigned parts.
• Recommend write‑off of obsolete or excess material.
• Initiate corrective actions to ensure that assigned piece‑part delivery schedules and/or reservations are in agreement.
• Draft purchase orders and long‑term agreements that ensure all requirements and special terms and conditions are met.
• Participate in joint meetings with Production Planning, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Control, and other departments to review item or material specifications, new or existing sources of supply, recommendations for reduced procurement, etc.
• Work to reduce supplier base; investigate and evaluate new sources of supply; interview supplier sales representatives and continually endeavor to keep abreast of developments that influence procurement procedures and practices; keep abreast of current market conditions.
• Handle engineering revisions as related to the suppliers.
• Monitor, analyze, and administer daily decisions in support of the formal MRP actions.
• Maintain pertinent history/details on all items, purchases, and quotes as necessary.
• Oversee department in the absence of the Purchasing Manager.
• Keep the Purchasing Manager informed of critical or high‑priority purchases/projects.
• Adhere to ISO
  9001 quality, ISO
  14001 environmental, and OHSAS
  18001 certification requirements.
• Other duties as assigned; maintain a safe working environment for all employees; attend regularly per schedule.

Bachelor's Degree or related field experience is desired, with 3–4 years of experience in purchasing, contracting, negotiating, or vendor performance management, coupled with a college degree in a business‑related field of study. A degree may be substituted with a minimum of 2 years related experience for each year of college.

Typical office/factory environment with potential exposure to heat in production areas. Primary work in a climate‑controlled office environment. Visual strain for more than 50% of the time. Listening, sitting, standing, stooping, walking, observing, grasping, pushing, pulling, and keyboarding. Some travel may be required. Eye–hand coordination for more than 50% of the time.