Purchasing Specialist at Heartland F P G – Indianapolis, Indiana

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low-calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world.

SCOPE

The Purchasing Specialist’s primary responsibility is to ensure timely, accurate and efficient placement, processing and receiving of purchase orders for materials and services pertaining to the storeroom and machinery in the plant. Also, assisting the Storeroom Manager with training plant associates on proper processes and procedures pertaining to ordering and making requests for purchases.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute orders for Inventory Parts, Plant Consumables, Maintenance supplies, Emergency break down items, Machine Parts, etc.
• Review supplier confirmations/invoices for accuracy in pricing and quantity, processing invoices through accounting department.
• Assist in setting up approved vendors with credit applications, NDA’s, sales tax and other required documents.
• Build a working relationship with vendors to ensure best pricing.
• Be aggressive in getting delivery times and dates that fit the plants schedule.
• Processing and resolution of assigned supplier discrepancy reports for over shipped parts received in error and/or damaged material.
• Maintain and execute supplier back orders
• Manage vendor set up and pricing in Syspro computer system.
• Support the Strategic Sourcing of key packaging components to drive higher quality and lower cost.
• Must be able to cross reference OEM part numbers to local supplier’s part numbers.
• Keep plant staff informed as to lead times and delivery dates.
• Serve as a backup to parts clerk when necessary or instructed by supervisor/management.
• Responsible for cross-training parts clerks on the processes and procedures in the storeroom such as filing documents, Syspro entries, obtaining current pricing, documenting items that need repair, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferred 2+ years of work experience/business experience in purchasing, supply chain management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Client and supplier management skills
• Purchasing knowledge and negotiation skills
• Problem solving skills essential
• Project management and organizational skills
• Influencing skills
• Verbal and written skills -ability to communicate to all levels of management
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment
• Self-motivated, independent thinker able to perform without direct supervision
• Team player
• Demonstrate a very high sense of urgency, speed to market is critical

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time and interact with computers, telephone and other electronic media
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds
• Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend