Buyer - Associate

Summary

• A results-driven Purchasing Associate responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and acquiring products, services, or raw materials from both national and international suppliers. Skilled in creating and developing value-added purchasing strategies and possessing strong negotiation skills to secure the best values, thereby controlling costs and supporting the company’s market success.

Responsibilities

• Request Quotes and Compare Prices: Request quotes from multiple suppliers and compare prices to ensure maximum return on investment (ROI).
• Purchase Request Handling: Promptly review and respond to internal purchase requests.
• Prepare and Process Purchase Orders: Prepare and process purchase orders accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain Vendor Relationships: Develop and maintain win-win partnerships with suppliers.
• Sourcing: Evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, availability, and logistical considerations.
• Order Follow-up: Ensure timely delivery of materials or services to meet production schedules.
• Order Management: Verify order accuracy and manage reorder processes.
• Manage Deliveries: Confirm compliance with contracts and manage deliveries to ensure timely receipt of goods.
• Coordinate with Internal Teams: Work with team members and the procurement manager to complete duties as needed.
• ERP Management: Maintain accurate item data, including lead times, re-order points, and volume discounts.
• Maintain Records: Maintain and update a list of suppliers, their qualifications, delivery times, and potential future development, records of purchased products, delivery information, and invoices.
• Monitor Stock Levels: Monitor stock levels and place orders as needed to maintain inventory.
• Scorecard: Work with internal team members concerning vendor performance, pricing issues, delivery issues, and any other pertinent information that requires cross-functional strategies within the supply chain.
• Submit Monthly Reports: Submit monthly purchasing reports to management for review.
• Ensure Quality of Products and Supplies: Ensure that the products and supplies meet company standards and quality requirements.
• Ensure Compliance: Ensure all purchased goods and services comply with relevant federal or state laws.
• Research and Evaluate Potential Vendors: Conduct thorough research to identify and evaluate potential vendors and suppliers.
• Negotiate Contracts: Negotiate appropriate contracts for pricing and supply terms.
• Material Planning: Interface with manufacturing to manage inventory levels and respond to urgent needs.
• Process Improvement: Continuously assess and enhance purchasing procedures for efficiency.
• Custom Projects: Oversee the reordering process for custom project items.
• Special projects as assigned.

Must Haves

• A strong analytical mindset, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrable experience in negotiating prices and terms and conditions.
• Ability to create Bill of Materials in the ERP system and understand Bill of Materials.

Education and Experience

• Proven experience in supply chain as a purchasing agent or relevant role.
• 2-3 years of procurement experience, preferably with a background in using SAGE or other ERP Software Systems.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of prolonged desk work.
• Must be able to lift 35 pounds at times.

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Purchasing: 3 years (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Itasca, IL 60143 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Itasca, IL 60143: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person