Buyer

Summary

The purpose of this position is to ensure we have a source of supply for all materials the plant needs to produce customer orders at a competitive price point, maintain our supplier relationships and help drive cost reduction projects. This position will also work on a variety of continuous improvement projects to help the facility improve operations.

Who We Are

Powerex has been a part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies for more than 30 years.  Due to significant growth in recent years, we are seeking additional talented and energetic individuals to join our team.  These new High-Potential Leaders will be critical to guiding Powerex’ future growth.  Powerex manufactures industry-leading Medical Gas Equipment for many critical applications within Hospitals and University Laboratories in addition to designing and assembling Compressed Air and Vacuum solutions for use in a variety of Industrial applications including buses, light rail, and food & beverage processing.

Essential Duties

The Buyer will be responsible for the following:

• Source parts as needed through new product development efforts, adjustments to existing products or the need to change suppliers.
• Work directly with Engineering on NPD projects.
• Ensure a competitive bidding process is utilized when processing all purchase requisitions to ensure we pay the most competitive price possible.
• Work on a variety of cost reduction projects.
• Manage pricing loaded in the MRP system.
• Manage the supply base relationship.
• Pull selected supplier performance data monthly, communicate results with suppliers and if needed work with suppliers to improve performance.
• Provide forecasting to suppliers as needed.
• Pull, review and take the appropriate actions for PPV reports monthly.
• Help set up new and improve existing VMI/Kanban and SOMI/consignment programs as needed.
• Work on continuous improvement projects as needed.
• Assist the plant with returns/debits as needed.
• Assist in reducing the excess and obsolescence report as needed.
• Help launch new programs with the MRP system that affect our material processes as needed.
• Assist in managing freight cost as needed.
• Fill out appropriate USMCA/NAFTA, Buy America, Country of Origin, REACH/ROHS and other certifications as needed.
• Work with accounting to rectify invoice variances with suppliers.
• Help manage MRO contracts and quote out projects for the plants as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or three years’ experience in a purchasing related field, preferably in manufacturing.
• Extensive experience with MRP systems preferred.
• Knowledge of how to collect data to effectively negotiate the best price possible.
• Complex problem solving and critical thinking skills required.
• Experience with Kanban and VMI programs preferred.
• Continuous Improvement and Root Cause Analysis experience preferred.
• Demonstrated effective problem solving skills. Able to understand complex issues and provide appropriate, effective solutions.
• Anticipates internal customer needs accurately and quickly establishes creditability with internal customers.
• Proven success as a team member, collaborating, cross-functionally, and participating in diverse thinking.
• Ability to achieve goals through influencing others.
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong ability to analyze data from various systems to get to opportunity/root cause.
• Works with integrity and respect displaying a high degree of tact and diplomacy.
• Must have the ability to effectively handle multiple tight timeline situations.
• Flexible and a strong willingness to adapt and be an advocate for change.
• Ability to work through multiple obstacles to complete daily tasks.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Work Conditions

While performing the duties of this job in the Plant or Warehouse, the employee can be exposed to noise.  The noise level is usually moderate, but hearing protection may be required in designated areas.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and sit.  The employee will use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to sit and to use a computer keyboard with mouse for long periods of time. The employee will occasionally lift and/or move 25 pounds.