Buyer I

SUMMARY

Organizes and monitors purchasing records distribution, recording, and files retention, and actively performs purchasing activities. Cultivates new and long-standing vendor relationships to attain the mutual professionalism required to assure timely deliveries.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages the flow, recording, and processing of purchasing documents. Controls and manages the purchasing activity with external suppliers. Negotiates purchases to the most economical advantage to the Company.
• Leverage yearly purchases to achieve lowest total cost for the purchase of goods (mostly store goods) through the identification of repeatable purchases, potential supply base and makes recommendations on the appropriate sourcing strategy.
• Prepares, submits for quotes, and purchases requisitioned materials and equipment following evaluation.
• Prepares bid comparisons based on evaluation derived from vendor's bids.
• Expedites orders that are critical to the operation of the Plants and those orders that are behind schedule.
• Prepares and maintains preferred vendor database based on previous cost, quality of service, reliability and types of goods and materials.
• Assists and researches logistical information in specific areas relating to all Plant departments.
• Assists Accounting in resolving purchase/billing discrepancies; warehouse stores and other departments in expediting, scheduling, contracts, and specifications.
• Assures that purchases have the proper D.O.A. approval levels applied and that the purchasing department complies with external guidelines, such as SOX and Frank-Dodd.
• Contacts vendors to obtain quotes, delivery schedules, and terms of payment. When appropriate, negotiates discounts, delivery schedules and terms.
• Develops thorough knowledge of the Company's ERP tools.
• No direct supervisory responsibilities, however requires the ability to motivate and lead non-reports in the purchasing function as well as non-purchasing functions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. / B.A. in Business related or Engineering field required.
• Minimum of 2 years purchasing/procurement experience required.
• Experience working in the production industry is needed.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong business background involving realistic expectations and cost controls.
• Experience in using ERP tools (i.e. SAP, JD Edwards) is preferred.
• Vendor management, materials management and/or inventory management is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Incumbent may be required to travel via auto or airline on a limited basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be exposed to manufacturing environments on a limited basis.

Westlake Management Services, Inc. is proud to offer equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants to join our company and to succeed as members of our team regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.