Under general direction, review authorized purchase requisitions, analyze requirements, determine sources of supply, evaluate vendor capability, consider price quotations and place orders to meet user department needs. Negotiate, approve and maintain purchase contracts, bids, supplier programs and blanket orders. Provides an uninterrupted flow of materials, supplies and services required to support manufacturing.

· Purchases, sources and maintains various commodities.

· Interview salespeople at suppliers and evaluate products represented for company use.

· Work closely with engineering department personnel on new product designs to locate parts and vendors. Maintain commodity costs, cost savings target and supplier performance goals.

· Keep abreast of changing market conditions and technological / material developments in the industry. Notify management of price forecast on commodities related to market trends. Notify management of changing price and market trends or potential material availability problems.

· Locate/certify new and alternate sources of supply to ensure that production flow will be maintained. As assigned, evaluate, recommend and implement Vendor Managed type programs (such as consignment, HFR-KanBan, vendor fill bins, etc.)

· Resolve and adjust problems requiring assistance relating to defective material disposition, order shortages, delivery, pricing or product quality with suppliers. Expedite purchase orders when necessary to meet schedule requirements.

· Assure the maintenance of the Epicor system with regard to accuracy, Item Master Cost, Quotes, Vendor Item Descriptions, Vendor Item Commodity Codes, pricing, PC files and delivery dates.

· Utilize departmental records and files, suggesting improved procedures and responsibilities for commodity classes purchased by this position. Utilize computer reports as necessary to control order points and established delivery date requirements. Maintain lead-times and order points for commodities purchased by this position in the computer system.

· Establish min/max levels for commonly used commodities

· Prepare various reports including cost savings (comparing results vs. established goals), cost increases, quote/project analysis and other such reports as requested.

· Participate in company programs and committee groups established to improve product quality and reduce costs. Visit vendor facilities as necessary to qualify as supplier or to resolve problems.

· Recommend items related to continuous improvement, evaluation and recommendations for departmental improvements on workflow, procedures and computer enhancements. Reduce or eliminate non-value added tasks. Assist with system reviews, improvements, etc.

· Process daily purchase orders from buyer’s worksheets (enters, faxes, files, reviews acknowledgements, & maintains fax log).

· Past Due Report – daily - prints – contacts supplier – follow up – clean up – update system

· VMP reports daily – reviews – contacts suppliers – trains new suppliers

· Process quotes (Tracers – Monthly Program – Projects), letters, & PSO’s as needed.

· Process vendor DMR’S -defective/rejected parts returns – maintains records – (A/P issues debit or credit memos). Contacts suppliers on adjustments for incorrect, defective, delivery or invoices issues.

· Resolve receiving discrepancies with vendors and maintains the delivery performance records.

· Attend Large Job meetings to provide critical path component delivery dates

· Approve In-Bound Freight records – monitors and controls cost under the VP, Finance and Administration’s direction.

· Maintain & update forms, vendor files quotes, data files

· Follow all ISO procedures

· Other tasks as assigned.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Active participation in ongoing individual training / development program

· Set goals and objectives with Manager; look for ways to improve quality and productivity

· Maintain good housekeeping conditions in work area

· Follow safety rules and procedures

· Report abnormalities in equipment, machines, programs, processes

· Perform backup functions to other team members and to Manager as instructed. Engage in cross-training to support backup efforts as directed. Team environment.

· Perform other duties as assigned

CRITICAL SKILLS / EXPERTISE:

· BS in Supply Chain, Engineering or Business

· Excellent negotiating skills

· 5 years purchasing experience

· Advance Excel skills

· Attention to detail and accuracy

· Working knowledge of personal computer

· Excellent communication skills

· Ability to work within a team environment