Buyer Jobs

The Buyer is responsible to identify, plan, order and expedite parts and raw materials used for the production of trailers and trailer components. The Buyer/Planner also has responsibilities related to inventory management such as work order processing, inventory reconciliation and annual inventory count & audit participation, and participate in special projects as assigned.

Ladder I:

• Create and place purchase orders with vendors.
• Follow-up on purchase orders to expedite delivery/shipment if required and communicate and
• MRP-review daily by Master Planning Family (MPF), supplier number and buyer number

issues/concerns/updates.

• Order assigned commodities based upon MRP requirements. Expedite or de-expedite as necessary to meet
• The Buyer owns any invoice discrepancies.
• Work closely with Shipping and Receiving department on any packing slips or proof of delivery as needed
• Coordinate vendor visits with Management and Supervisors.
• Work closely with Engineering Department on any projects that require purchasing components

production schedule. This includes trailer production, PDC aftermarket needs, sister plant requests, warranty and
other customer related needs. Issue Purchase Orders and verify that supplier has received PO and can meet
delivery date.

• Ensure pricing is correct and matches what Corporate Purchasing group has agreed upon. Work with Central

Pricing, Corporate and Supplier to resolve any discrepancies.

• Monitor material usage by production when it appears there is a discrepancy between what Engineering has

structured in the BOM and what shop floor is actually using.

• Work with suppliers to ensure on time delivery and to address any quantity or quality deficiencies should they

arise. Buyers are expected to have suppliers present for introduction of new systems and help support production.
Any supplier visit is expected to be concluded with a written Supplier Audit Report. Supplier non-performance may
result in a CAR (Corrective Action Report) being written or financial penalties.

• Monitor Excess Inventory report to ensure excess inventory targets from Corporate are met. Run Global MRP to see

if Buyer’s components can be used by sister plants. Work with Engineering on potential opportunities to use
material. Discuss possibility of selling to either PDC or Indy Branch (only used material).

• Communicate with prospective new suppliers that may offer improved performance over existing supply base.
• Monitor inventory levels as to its accuracy and usage rates so as to ensure production is able to build correctly
• Work with supervisors and key employees to address any supplier or product issues.
• Know and understand the commodities purchased and how and where they are used in the building of the trailer.

while at the same time insuring inventory is turning at a reasonable rate (15-18 annualized turns). Have cycle
counts done as appropriate.

• Work with suppliers, traffic and receiving crew to properly plan for deliveries so that product is effectively and

efficiently unloaded and processed into the plant.

• Monitor production schedules (dates and quantity), especially changes that occur within the accepted lead-time

window, and determine impact upon suppliers’ ability to deliver on time.

• Provide forecast of certain commodities to ensure that supplier has capacity to meet GDLP future needs. Forecasts

are generated for suspensions, wood floors, steel, and stainless steel among others.

• Understand basic production process and how it relates to purchasing.
• Support all year-end physical inventory activities and reconcile inventory levels of assigned commodities.
• Understand NCM process as it relates to their parts, have knowledge of day to day recurring purchasing activities,
• Knowledge of discounts and be able to group purchases to secure price or freight advantages.
• Address packaging concerns to improve storage, retrieval and parts presentation to the production line.

including the receiving and transfer process of material handlers.

• General knowledge of purchasing ethics and standards, invoicing process and how accounting dept affects

purchasing and vice versa.

• Other duties as assigned.

Ladder II

• In addition to Buyer I key responsibilities, this level will be able to analyze excess inventory for their parts on a

weekly basis.

• Ability to follow BOM/drawing packages.
• Understands how to correct invoicing and pricing issues in a timely fashion.
• Has good decision-making skills, make informed, timely decisions concerning delivery issues and the like.
• Other duties as assigned.

Ladder III

• In addition to Buyer I and II key responsibilities, Buyer III will have the ability to analyze overall inventory levels and

work independently.

• Possess a deeper understanding of the work order process (completions, lot/serial tracking, issuances, galvanizing,
• Has the ability to conduct studies, analyze and evaluate data, make recommendations and decisions.

etc.) and how-to problem solve MRP issues.

• Has extensive knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of purchasing.
• Mastered time management skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met
by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to

finger, handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job
include close and distance vision.

• Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal to moderate