Buyer

**Buyer**

**Location:** Smithfield, NC, US * Responsible for the placement of purchase orders and work orders, scheduled delivery management, and resolution of quality issues with designated supply chain.

* Manage daily order exceptions as well as keeping MRP Planning parameters such as safety stock, lead time, etc, accurate and reflective of current state.

* Proficiency in all aspects of the sourcing process required. This includes market research, supplier road maps, data management, supplier selection, optimization analysis, negotiations, risk mitigation, and contracting.

* Develop and drive solutions to supply issues through negotiation, escalation, and proposing supply chain alternatives.

* Ensure that all requirements, pricing, terms, conditions and expectations are clearly documented and acknowledged by the supply chain.

* Work with suppliers to institute and manage two bin Kanban Programs, Warehouse Distribution Models and VMI where needed. Ensure that these programs are designed to support designated product lines and operate efficiently.

* Create schedules to establish sequence and lead time of each operation and department to meet shipping dates according to sales forecasts and customer orders as needed. Communicate accurate PO delivery dates and lead time updates to department stakeholders.

* Work with Cell Leads and supervisors to investigate and resolve discrepancies involving material replenishment, due dates, and capacity.

* Reconcile open order reports, discreet jobs, and outside process work orders on a monthly basis.

* Assist Purchasing Manager in implementing material changes generated by Engineering Change Notices, and New Product Introductions.

* Assist in the identification, tracking, and disposition of excess inventory.

* Responsible for the integrity of frozen costs for purchased items in ERP system.

* Drive for best cost solutions in assigned product lines.

* Assist the Senior Productivity and Procurement Manager in Negotiating, implementing, and administering MOUs and Supply Agreements with suppliers based on the OPW Sourcing Plan.

* Assist in leveraging best class sourcing and optimization technology to achieve greatest balance of cost, service, and change management. These programs may include sourcing concentration in best value country.

* Administer and liaise all Center Led Productivity Projects assigned. (Dover), and ensure that productivity implementations are executed in a timely fashion.

* Manage Supplier Value Creation Program, and ensure that value creation ideas are presented, evaluated internally, implemented (If viable), and tracked as productivity.

* Assist Engineering with quotes for parts required for new product introductions. Ensure that Engineers are following the proper protocol for sample evaluation with grow and sustain suppliers.

* Assist the Senior Productivity and Procurement Manager in executing the OPW Supplier Roadmap.

* Administer and track rebate agreements

* Other duties as assigned.

* Bachelors Degree in Business Related Supply Chain Management or Engineering Required; work experience will be considered in lieu of degree.

* Minimum of (5) years experience in supplier management.

* Minimum of 3 years project planning or MRP Planning experience required.

* Expert Negotiating Skills

* Strong Analytical Skills and Data Capabilities Required

* Proven track record of interpreting the complex relationships of policies, contractual requirements, and the legal/regulatory aspects of the supply chain to establish and implement effective negotiation strategies.

* Hands on work ethic with results focus required.

* Proficiency in Oracle, Bravo, and Microsoft Office Suites

* Impeccable ethics and trustworthiness.

* Basic understanding of lean manufacturing, metal fabrication, machining, & assembly processes are highly desired.