BUYER

FLSA Status:       Exempt

Grade Level:      S-6

Department:       Purchasing

Reports To:       Director of Sourcing

Direct Reports:       None

Job Summary:  

 Maintains Purchase order pricing, terms, contracts, agreements, and commits Adhesives Research to the purchase of raw materials, capital items, professional services, maintenance, repair, operating (MRO) item/services, and indirect supplies.   Utilizes Material Resource Planning (MRP) information to determine order quantities and to generate accurate supply plans for all raw materials, in order to ensure on-time delivery to our customers while minimizing on-hand inventory levels.  Identifies and uses the proper suppliers that will consistently and reliably provide the best value for appropriate designs, specifications, and quality while providing deliveries when needed and at the appropriately negotiated prices.

Essential Functions: 

• Execute procedures which lead to placing and changing purchase orders and contracts for raw materials, capital equipment, services, MRO items, and indirect materials for Operations, Manufacturing, and other support groups
• Conduct material planning analyses using current orders, sales forecasts, production schedules, lead times and inventory levels to determine proper order quantities for all required raw materials
• Negotiates pricing reductions, quality enhancements, working capital improvements, and cost avoidances by working with existing suppliers or locating new sources
• Assist R&D with necessary supplier and/or material information and product samples to support development programs
• Ensure that newly approved products utilize materials from fully approved suppliers with commercially viable supply chains
• Establish and maintain proper documentation to confirm approved supplier status, according to current procedures
• Research supplier sources, information, and technical assistance  
• Assure that General Liability, Automobile, and Workers’ Compensation and Employers Liability insurance certificates for suppliers are on file at AR, when necessary.   Determine that these certificates fully meet AR requirements or have supplier sign Hold Harmless document and file accordingly
• Complete and distribute quarterly supplier scorecards for selected suppliers and file in SharePoint folder, in accordance with current procedures
• Facilitate a prompt and effective resolution of defective material issues through the Supplier Corrective Action Response (SCAR) process, in coordination with the SQE team
• Initiate and/or support change control procedures for all supplier changes
• Enter and maintain all purchasing data in ERP system relating to supplier information, pricing, lead-times, MOQ’s, shelf life, etc.
• Assure receipt of expected credits or replacements due from suppliers, resulting from shipment/receipt discrepancies, invoicing issues, or defective material
• Comply with and enforce all safety regulations

Additional Responsibilities:

Job Specifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business, purchasing, supply chain management, technical or related field is required
• Strong verbal and written communications that are commensurate with level of experience
• Proficiency with standard desktop computing systems and software, along with previous experience with ERP system (preferably Oracle)
• Results-oriented mindset with demonstrated track record of delivering benefit to overall business
• Ability to recap and present Negotiation analysis 
• Have a basic understanding of manufacturing operations/systems and related processes
• Superior interpersonal skills when dealing with fellow associates or with external suppliers
• Ability to work well independently or with others in team environments
• Possess a strong decision-making process that will be used to evaluate various options, recognize similarities/differences, quickly determine benefits and risks, and take definitive action  

Physical Demands: