Description
Senior Level position within the Purchasing department responsible for source selection, commodity and market research, cost and price analysis, cost control, supplier problem solving, negotiation, purchase order placement, long-term contracts, supplier quality, supplier delivery, forecasting, engineering change implementation, supplier discipline and new model launch support. May lead cross-functional teams to support Company's commodity strategies.
Accountabilities:
- Responsible for global investigation of the marketplace to ensure that materials and components used in the manufacture of products are of acceptable quality while ensuring on-time delivery and procurement at the most economical cost.
- Responsible for source selection and fact-finding suppliers (desk audit or on-site) to ensure suppliers have the capacity, capability, quality, financial stability and management in place to meet company needs.
- Responsible for shortage reductions and inventory management.
- Researches and sends request for quotes to suppliers who can meet engineering, design, quantity, cost, quality, and production requirements.
- Evaluates and selects suppliers on the basis of price, quality, and delivery.
- Responsible for negotiating long term contracts with suppliers per the approval process in which to incorporate terms, conditions, delivery and pricing agreements which are beneficial to the company supporting flexible and Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery of materials and components used in the manufacture of products.
- Must initiate supplier problem resolution incorporating a time-line based plan that clearly defines the actions, responsibilities and target dates for important milestones to resolve the problem.
- Responsible for keeping abreast of the marketplace regarding competition, lead-times, BLS indices, exchange rates, duty, freight and brokerage costs and must have a comprehensive understanding and breakdown of supplier costs.
- Analyzes technical data, designs, preliminary specifications, manufacturing limitations, market trends and technologies, supplier capacity and capabilities, and availability of parts and equipment.
- May act as focal point between suppliers and company on start-up and implementation of various projects.
- Works with engineering and suppliers to ensure correct material selection and design to ensure acceptable quality, reliability and lowest possible cost.
- Develops and implements continuous improvements to the supplier base. Works to reduce number of suppliers.
- Advises appropriate personnel and management of supplier material problems in a timely manner.
- Works with sales, marketing, production control and manufacturing to forecast and schedule production. Implements supplier long-term contracts, schedules and forecasts.
- Works with engineering, production control, and production to establish effective, efficient, and economical engineering change implementation.
- Responsible for system implementation and initial orders of new parts for engineering builds, pre-production, and start of production.
- May travel to supplier plant sites as needed to perform qualification surveys, participate in problem solving, and communicate supplier development needs.
- Acts as an agent of the company to commit to contracts under the guidelines of established company procedures and policies.
- Supervise buyer activities and performance of responsibilities.
- Interfaces with Accounting as necessary to authorize invoice payments and resolve discrepancies.
- May represent the department in internal meetings and in supplier meetings.
- Assists in the development and management of departmental budgets and new business proposal activities.
- Responsible for supplier and plant tool order issuance, accountability and maintenance.
- Interprets and complies with Company policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Prepares reports, charts, graphs, and other statistical information.
- Will initiate, recommend, or provide solutions through designated channels.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Scope and Competency:
Problem-Solving/Know How: (complexity of problems and education/experience & other knowledge required)
- Four-year college degree in management, business, education, operations, industrial or a related field and three (3) years related purchasing/supply chain experience or a minimum of five (5) years related purchasing/supply chain experience required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Leadership skills preferred.
- Must have excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- Model cost management experience may be required.
- CPM or APIC's certification preferred.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Windows based databases as appropriate to the position and assignment.
Attributes/Skills:
- Must have the ability to learn computer applications as necessary for the position.
- Must successfully complete any training or certification courses required to support or strengthen position.
- Must have the ability to read, interpret, and follow verbal and written instructions, work procedures and other related materials.
Communications:
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must communicate appropriate information accurately and clearly as needed.
- Must have the ability to effectively and appropriately interface and communicate with a variety of individuals or groups on a frequent basis.
- Bilingual ability may be required.
Management:
- May be required to delegate tasks to other employees.
Travel:
- Ability to travel as required of the position.
Quality Procedures:
- Review procedures, materials, or processes to assure compliance to all specifications and standards.
- Comply with and enforce all procedures and work instructions.
- Respond to quality and work issues and take corrective action as appropriate.
- Has the organizational authority to identify and segregate, as necessary, suspect or non-conforming material (for example components, saleable product, specifications, controlled documents, etc.) and to notify the appropriate authority (manager, etc.) for instructions.
Safety and EPA Compliance:
- Maintains tools, equipment, and work areas in a neat and orderly manner and observes all work related safety practices and procedures.
- Will comply with all applicable Company safety policies, rules, and regulations.
- Must comply with all Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations and relevant company procedures and instructions related to the environmental management system and contribute to the achievement of the relevant environmental objectives and targets established by the Company.
- In addition, provides the leadership and resources for such activities as applicable.
Physical Demands:
- Required to sit, stand, or walk for prolonged periods of time.
- Use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects or use controls, tools, or equipment.
- May require the ability to use a keyboard and other office equipment.
- May require specific vision abilities that include close vision.
- May be required to perform concentrated work for extended periods of time.
- May be required to lift, carry, or exert items or objects of reasonable weight.
- May be required to perform duties beyond standard business hours.