Strategic Buyer/Planner

Responsible for coordinating activities involved with procuring and timely delivery of goods and services, such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts and supplies for the company. Maintains manual or computerized procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Procurement

• Utilizes all available sources including catalogs, commerce publications and directories in order to find the right suppliers.
• Thorough working knowledge of purchasing policies, processes, and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge and ability to negotiate best vendor terms, pricing and delivery based on specific budget and schedule requirements.
• Communicates with vendors on all purchase orders.
• Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.
• Prepares purchase orders for bid requests.
• Reviews order status and contacts vendors to find out status of an order.
• Interfaces with all departments and resolves problems and issues with needed purchase items.
• Reviews bid proposals and negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
• Directs and formulates procedures and policies to make certain materials are available or delivered as needed.
• Utilizes Lokring Supplier Quality Manual to evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, service, availability, and reliability.
• Responsible for managing the Supplier Quality Program by coordinating with the Quality Manager to ensure supplier performance results are documented and reviewed on a quarterly basis.
• Coordinates supplier audits and selection, through the use of the Lokring Supplier Quality Manual, to ensure a robust supply chain.
• Contacts vendors with discrepancies regarding quantity and/or quality.

Inventory

• Manages Lokring Inventory Cycle Counting process specified in Lokring Inventory Policy. Reports results.
• Manages stock obsolescence section of Lokring Inventory Policy.
• Manages raw material and supply inventories through Macola computer information system to insure proper stocking levels and on-time delivery of material to each department.
• Participates in physical inventory.
• Assisting other departments when it is required.

Reporting

At the start of each month reports the following to Operations:

• Departmental Inventory Accuracy
• Inventory Value at Warehouse, Assembly/Weld and Raw areas.
• Current Vendor Leadtimes and actions taken to keep data accurate in Macola.
• Inventory Last Transaction report and actions planned to reduce obsolete or slow-moving material.
• Vendor OTD and Quality Performance

 

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

COMPETENCIES

• Analytical – the individual synthesizes complex or diverse information.
• Problem Solving – the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Oral communication – the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills, and conducts meetings.
• Delegation – the individual delegates work assignments, gives the authority to work independently, sets expectations and monitors delegated activities.
• Quality Management – the individual looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Judgment – the individual displays willingness to make decisions, exhibits sound and accurate judgment and makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing – the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Good communication skills
• Good phone skills and a pleasant manner
• Solid product knowledge
• Flexibility
• Tenacity

 

REQUIRED

• Minimum two years purchasing related experience or have demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above-mentioned tasks.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Prior experience in Materials Management and Inventory Control
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel)

 

PREFERRED

• Bachelor’s degree
• Background in Steel (bar and pipe) purchasing.
• Experience with MRP and Inventory Control concepts
• Knowledge of Macola ERP Software and/or Crystal Reports

 

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• None required.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily sedentary in nature; no special demands are required.  Occasionally, this position will involve working with customer products on the shop floor or in customer(s) and or vendor(s) facilities.  In situations such as this, the associate is required to follow all safety rules and best practices in addition, the following physical demands may apply.