Sr. Buyer Jobs

Summary

The Senior Buyer will be responsible for the procurement of materials, subcontracted work and services for warehouse automation systems and projects. The position will be providing commercial support to pre-and post-award projects and orders and will report to the Purchasing Manager. The role is supporting both tactical and strategic procurement and subcontracting activities; responsibilities include commercial contract negotiations with suppliers, selection, development and management of suppliers, as well as independently identifying and documenting cost saving opportunities and vendor risks.

Primary Job Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prepare RFQ packages, issue RFQ packages for bid, evaluate bids and negotiate best company position, make award recommendations.
• Negotiation of contracts including commercial terms and conditions; preparation of negotiation protocols, letters of intent and master supply agreements.
• PO closeout activity and warranty period management of assigned agreements.
• Acts as a liaison between purchasing management, internal customers, suppliers, and subcontractors to meet or exceed expectations for quality, price, delivery, service and innovation.
• Identifies and escalates any late delivery issues to the project team and purchasing management and actively works with vendors to regain lost schedule.
• Issues supplier alert notices, such as Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and Overage Shortage & Damage Reports (OS&D’s), as required.
• Promote and comply with all company safety policies and procedures.
• Participates in project meetings and will provide status of vendor document submittals, fabrication, and equipment deliveries.
• Develop and maintain expertise on assigned products and services.
• Research and evaluate new sources for assigned products and services.
• Assure invoices are approved and paid, vendors get paid in full, and all commitments are reconciled before the orders are closed.
• Evaluate and analyze price and commercial terms deviations from as-sold terms and budgets.
• Ensure the timely resolution of issues with vendors related to scope, price, quality, delivery, condition, service level, etc.
• Attend meetings and facilitate discussions with internal customers and external vendors to promote strong communication and alignment of expectations and results.
• Support the implementation of industry best practices and a mindset of continuous improvement.
• Support all strategic planning activities.
• Work collaboratively with other procurement personnel within the viastore family of companies when applicable to increase and improve purchasing leverage.
• Follows, maintains and improves processes and systems utilized by viastore to perform procurement related tasks and functions.
• Create, update, communicate and present procurement data and recommendations at meetings.
• Maintain and communicate knowledge of market conditions, material markets (i.e. steel prices) and industry activity that may impact business.
• Execute daily, weekly, and monthly tactical and strategic activities to insure the timely and efficient management of assigned tasks.
• Procurement of materials, subcontracted work and subcontracted services for warehouse automation systems and projects.
• Participates in the search, selection and evaluation of new (and existing) suppliers; manages approved suppliers.
• Ability to evaluate and analyze cost savings.
• Review, analyze and monitor assigned supplier capabilities and performance.
• Must emphasize a proactive, systematic, and standardized approach to detect and avert delays to the contractual delivery dates stated within the agreements.
• Expedites new, missing or returned documents/drawings from vendors, and assists in expediting Engineering for any new, missing, or late documentation.
• Lead, mentor, and coach junior level business partners.
• Actively develops, manages and maintains supplier evaluations and sourcing analysis documentation.
• Ensures all requirements specified in the purchase orders are met, including document delivery, inspections, testing, on time delivery of the equipment, subcontractor mobilization/demobilization dates, and service completion dates.
• Order processing in SAP; subcontractor contract management, management of procurement process, manage all change orders, and administer the agreements throughout their lifecycle.
• Assist in researching, analyzing, configuring, and drawing data driven conclusions from company spend data in support of department and company KPI’s.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Strong commercial contract negotiation skills
• Procurement / Supply Chain Management Certifications is a plus (Examples: CPP, CPPM, CIPP, CIAPP, CPSM, MCIPS).
• Strong understanding of procurement and negotiation techniques.
• Strong purchasing expertise, technical understanding, mathematic skills and operations analysis skills required.
• Ability to be accurate, precise and follow set procedures and standards.
• Excellent written, verbal, and electronic communication skills.
• Experience using and leveraging industry specific ERP software.
• Strong data analysis, conflict resolution, and advanced problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with all stakeholders within the organization and with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against project objectives and deadlines.
• Understanding of terms, nomenclature and business models used in the construction industry.
• Must have a strong ability to build relationships, develop partners, and collaborate with project teams – both internally and externally.
• Impeccable attention to detail and time management.
• Preference is for candidate to be experienced in custom engineered products procurement vs. buying of standard materials and commodities used in the manufacturing process.