BUYER 1 in Zimmerman, Minnesota at Reliant Systems Inc

General Description:

The Buyer I position assists with the procurement and sourcing of components, raw materials, equipment, and supplies to support manufacturing, blanket Purchase Orders and contracts. The Buyer I would need to demonstrate exceptional service teamwork, accountability, innovation, and competitiveness for the company.

This is accomplished through the following essential functions:

• Source and procure various commodities as requested.

• Attend weekly Production and Engineering Change Order meetings, presenting pertinent updates and working with Production and Engineering to resolve any issues. Prepare weekly meeting review notes.

• Review Engineering Change Orders for accuracy, obtain quotes for any new parts, update suppliers of any changes.

• Track Work Orders for shortages, inform the appropriate team members, and help expedite to ensure on-time delivery.

• Work with suppliers to resolve non-conforming part issues and past due Purchase Orders.

• Gather information regarding evaluation of best price, availability, quality, and delivery to review with Senior Buyers, Purchasing Manager, and/or Supply Chain Manager.

• Act within defined Purchase Order signing authority.

• Author Purchase Orders that are accurate and complete with guidance from Senior Buyers, Purchasing Manager, and/or Supply Chain Manager.

• Author paperwork and data entry work associated with non-conforming material management that is accurate and complete.

• Communicate with outside vendors for shortages or past due situations and update Purchase Orders with current delivery changes.

• Report immediate risk to the company from vendor operations to the Purchasing and/or Supply Chain Manager, or as assigned, and respond as directed.

• Input timely and accurate data to the Enterprise Resource Planning system.

• Maintain baseline information regarding vendor performance metrics and work with Senior Buyers to forecast performance of vendors.

• Assist Senior Buyers in product development timelines to ensure on-time production and delivery.

• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies, and market suppliers.

• Research and evaluate areas of opportunity and reduce costs where possible.

• Deliver briefs, updates, and reports when required.

• Develop ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, aid business performance and work towards a strategy of continuous improvement.

• Explore alternate sources for goods and materials.

• Undertake research on and evaluate existing and new suppliers.

• Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery, or invoice issues.

• Attend meetings and update others on issues or concerns (i.e., when there is a risk which could prevent the organization from meeting customer demands or where there are over-capacity concerns).

• Build, maintain, and manage supplier relationships and ensure good communication.

• Collaborate with other Supply Chain team members and other departments to ensure production needs are met.

• Assist with evaluating and analyzing vendor quotations and services.

• Maintain constant communication with supervisor about job progress.

• Clean and maintain cleanliness of work area.

• Complete other tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Successfully complete a criminal background check.

• Regular and reliable attendance.

• Flexibility to work extended hours as business needs dictate.

• Learn and maintain a thorough knowledge of all product and service needs as well as stay apprised of industry developments.

Skills & Abilities:

• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills; numerically astute.

• Demonstrated initiative and innovation in identifying opportunities for improvement and assisting change management initiatives.

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.

• Highly skilled at building and maintaining effective and productive relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers.

• Ability to multi-task and demonstrate agility.

• Demonstrated teamwork and team building skills.

Work Experience & Knowledge Requirements:

• At least 2 years’ experience in a purchasing role.

• Contract management experience is preferred.

• Experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning/Manufacturing Resource Planning system.

• SAP Business One experience is preferred.

• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain management.

• Experience and proficiency with MS Office including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Education Requirements:

• Associates Degree preferably in Supply Chain Management or related field.