Assistant Buyer

Position Summary

The Buyer position plans and purchases MRO supplies (maintenance, repair & operating supplies), packaging, component parts, products and outside services for the Gainesville facility utilizing the SAP ERP system. This position is responsible for the timely planning, scheduling of receipt, and inventory control of the products as assigned.

The duties performed require a knowledge of and ability to apply purchasing procedures and policies.  The job requires considerable contact with various company personnel and suppliers.

Key Deliverables

• Maintain safe and injury-free work place
• International quality standard ISO 9001 / Environmental management standard 14001 compliance
• Generate cost savings ideas and completion of projects
• Generate accurate and timely request for quotes
• Generate accurate and timely purchase orders
• Supplier on-time delivery
• Evaluate supplier performance
• Resolve quality issues with suppliers
• Expedite and follow-up on open orders
• Resolve supplier invoice discrepancies

Key Accountability Metrics

• Safety metrics
• EBITB (earnings before interest, tax and bonus) cost savings
• Purchase requisition and kanban card turnaround time
• On-time supplier delivery
• On-time shipment to internal/external customers – fill rate
• Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) turnaround time
• Supplier Performance Evaluations
• Blocked invoices
• Days sales of inventory (DSI)

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Work closely with internal customers including maintenance, engineering operations, sales and quality.
• Communicate professionally with suppliers and manufacturers.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders in a timely manner to suppliers. (50%)
• Track and follow-up on open purchase orders. (15%)
• Identify opportunities for cost, process and supplier performance improvements. (5%)
• Develop/Identify alternative sources of supply. (3%)
• Conduct accurate cost/benefit analysis on returned quotes; provide options and recommendations to requester. (3%)
• Prepare and issue Request for Quotes. (8%)
• Negotiate with suppliers for optimal price, quality, quantity and delivery terms. (5%)
• Promptly resolve supplier invoice discrepancies. (7%)
• Evaluate supplier performance for quality, delivery and commercial value. (2%)
• Promptly resolve quality issues with suppliers. (2%)
• Other duties may be assigned

Required Qualifications

Required Education and/or Experience:  High school diploma with minimum of three years related experience

Required Attributes/Skills:

• At least a minimum of 2 years of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) procurement or planning experience.
• Good working knowledge of Excel and Word
• Comprehensive knowledge of procurement processes and procedures: 
  • Ability to prepare Request for Quotes.
  • Ability to analyze quotes and negotiate. 
  • Supplier development and performance management
  • Kanban Systems and Vendor Managed Inventory Programs (VMI)
  • Cost Control Management
  • MRP Demand and Supply, lead times, safety stock, min & max quantities
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal/external customers/suppliers and co-workers; Represent HPG in a professional manner.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Analytical with a proactive “Hands On” approach to problem solving and continuous improvement
• Proven ability to identify and effectively negotiate and meet technical specifications/customer requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education and/or Experience:  2 Year Associates Degree; Six Sigma Green Belt, C.P.M. or APICS Certification (CPIM and/or CSCP)

Preferred Attribute / Skills:

• SAP experience in procurement
• Ability to read blueprints/ drawings