POET | Buyer

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in bio-based products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and benefits including;

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses, and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
• Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Excellent work-life balance with a 'family-first' culture
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

JOB SUMMARY

As a Buyer, you will be responsible for supporting stakeholders’ Capital Project spend and developing project sourcing strategies. You will maintain vendor relationships, negotiate the best value for POET, perform strategic analysis and decision-making, become highly knowledgeable and ensure appropriate risk management through thorough execution. This is a role that requires high levels of collaboration with internal stakeholders to drive successful strategies. The Buyer’s role is to provide maximum value to POET through a combination of stakeholder support and strategic direction.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

• Foster relationships with strategic suppliers to create innovative and collaborative partnerships.
• Maintain regular communication with key stakeholders to clarify priorities, provide updates, and set expectations.
• Support strategies and processes to ensure on-time deliveries and project execution.
• Lead, negotiate and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives to drive best value.
• Evaluate and monitor supplier performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and effectively manages nonconformities in a timely and professional manner.
• Support multiple CapEx projects in tandem, at different points in their lifecycle.
• Establish, support, maintain risk management strategies.
• Research and evaluate supplier landscape based on capabilities, value proposition, and past performance; maintain a pipeline to new, potential suppliers
• Review and analyze records of items purchased, costs, delivery, product performance, and inventories to drive continuous improvement.
• Drive long-term strategies to generate supply chain improvements and efficiencies.
• Resolve vendor or contractor issues, and claims against suppliers.
• Monitor and initiate improvement projects to current processes or policies.
• Collaborate with the bioprocessing facilities and EPC technical staff to ensure specifications and quality expectations continue to be met.
• Partner with other procurement staff to ensure accurate and timely delivery with excellent customer service to our bioprocessing facilities and project management teams.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• Degree in business or technical field and 3 years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• History of supporting capital expense and/or project procurement efforts.
• Prior experience negotiating and executing contracts.
• Great interpersonal skills, possessing a high degree of professionalism and customer service.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Honest, ethical, and conscientious.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills to include complex analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.
• Effectively able to navigate ambiguity.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic and changing environment.
• Eager to learn and change the world.
• You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

At POET we believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET.
• Up to 30% travel required which may include trips to POET bioprocessing facilities, vendor visits, continuing education, and industry conferences.
• This position operates in an office environment working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand.