Buyer/Planner

Within assigned division or products, this position leverages total purchase power and mitigates risk through building a robust, diverse supply base. This position is responsible for the purchasing of production materials. They are responsible for leading in the supply function from sourcing of suppliers through efficient use of material in plant operations. They develop and maintain systems to anticipate material needs and ensure timely delivery to avoid downtime as well as overstocking.

Primary guidance will be obtained from the Commodity managers and the Director of Purchasing. Secondary guidance through department heads.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Execution of Strategic Plan
  1. Develop supply chain and purchasing processes, procedures, and policies to support strategic business decisions.
  2. Must possess and display the Marion Body Works core values as interpreted by the Leadership team; Integrity, Honesty, Respect, Caring.
  3. Support role in departmental budgeting and monitoring of expenses.
• Vendor Selection & Cost Management
  1. Oversees all supply and equipment sourcing, utilizing best practices to lower costs, improve supply quality and increase material availability.
  2. Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers, vendors, or other providers.
  3. Identify and develop new sources of supply when existing sources are inadequate
  4. Participates in contract negotiation for cost competitiveness, plus compliance with company policies and standards
  5. Maintain supplier relationships in order to drive cost reductions while continually achieving the highest level of quality material and service
  6. Participate in developing material costs forecasts or standard cost lists.
• Inventory Management
  1. Analyze inventories to determine how to increase inventory turns, reduce waste, or optimize customer service.
• Daily Requirements
  1. Generate Purchase Orders to support demands. Ensure efficient tracking and filing system of purchase orders, returns, and all records.
  2. Resolve supplier problems associated with shipments, invoicing issues, obsolete, rework and scrap materials.
  3. Provides direct back-up for the administrative assistant positions as required
• Process Improvement
  1. Continually evaluates the supply chain in order to produce better techniques, more cost-effective materials, improved quality, and faster processes.
  2. Executes supplier tracking procedures and reporting in an effort to enhance overall supplier performance
• Leadership & Cross Functional Support
  1. Work closely with Finance and Engineering to develop strategies for qualifying new suppliers, supplier implementation and continuous improvement
  2. Provide coordination of supply chain management with other functional areas, such as sales, marketing, finance, production, or quality assurance to understand needs.
  3. This position has no direct reports. However, does provide guidance to department administrative personnel

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Excellent negotiation and presentation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical, planning, and organizational skills
• Solid skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point,)
• Ability to build rapport with co-workers, customers, vendors, and outside suppliers
• Technical understanding of production parts
• Ability to handle multiple projects at one time
• Intermediate knowledge of financial terms and principles

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Management, Purchasing or Business Administration.
• 2+ years of progressive purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.