Category Buyer

Job Description
The main function of a buyer is to purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. A typical buyer is responsible for buying goods and services for use by their company or organization. A purchasing agent is responsible for the purchase of machinery, equipment, parts, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment.

Job Responsibilities:
- Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.
- Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
- Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
- Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
- Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
- Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.

Skills:
- Verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, negotiation skills and interpersonal skills.
- Strong ability to analyze financial reports, price proposals and other technical data.
- Strong ability to accurately document and record customer/client information.
- Strong knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to purchasing.
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills necessary to provide support and constructive performance feedback.
- Strong knowledge of supply chain management.
- Previous experience with computer applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

Education/Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in finance or a related business field required.
- 8-10 years finance related experience required.
- CPSM/CPPM/CPP (Certified Professional Supply Management; Certified Professional Purchasing Management; Certified Purchasing Professional) preferred.

Position’s Contributions to Work Group:
- Supplier management, strategic sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation, cost reduction, Supplier relationship management, data analytics. Global purchasing team member

Reason/motivation for request:
- New position on this growing team. Addition

Why Client? “Whether it be ground-breaking products, best in class solutions or a lifelong career, you can build what matters to you at Client. With 150 locations in countries around the world, what you create at Client travels and helps people around the world. You can collaborate with the best minds in the industry, complete meaningful work and continuously grow and develop through our various opportunities. Here, you can do the work that matters.”

Why this Role?
- As the category buyer, you will be the non-metallic subject matter expert on our suppliers’ capabilities. You will collaborate with and advise engineering teams on suppliers for best fit.
- You will be the supplier’s advocate. You will identify and develop suppliers to achieve the category strategic targets. You will manage supplier relationships, coaching, directing and training suppliers to achieve expected levels of performance.

Typical task breakdown:
- Spend analysis, quote analysis, risk mitigation, supplier development and coaching

Interaction with team:
- Weekly team meetings, collaborate with peers across the team and Client purchasing organization. Work with Engineering team on new and existing designs, be the NM expert to direct sourcing decisions.

Team Structure
- Category manager – Team of 4 buyers globally, which includes this position and another located in US/IL

Work environment:
- Office setting with other purchasing professionals, PPE needed for supplier and Client facility visits.

Education & Experience Required:
- Years of experience: 5-8 relevant experience
- Degree requirement: Minimum of Associates Degree; preferred BS or Masters
- Do you accept internships as job experience: Yes
- Are there past or additional job titles or roles that would provide comparable background to this role: Purchasing analyst, category buyer, purchasing agent, category manager, procurement specialist, procurement professional, etc.

Top 3 Skills
Negotiation
Prioritization
Customer Focus

Additional Technical Skills
(Required)
- Data analytics / mining, Negotiation concepts and techniques, Contract management

(Desired)
- Knowledge of Plastics or other Nonmetallic materials and processes, MS Office tools, Procure, Other Client systems

Soft Skills
(Required)
- Customer Focus, Interpersonal relationship development, effective communication, prioritization, self-managed and accountable

(Desired)
- Desire for continuous learning, Curiosity, organization skills, coaching, conflict resolution

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $33.00 - $36.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person