Lead Buyer

Stores lead/buyer responsibilities & duties

• Manage all aspects of plant procurement, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and product quality assurance
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent and reliable delivery of high-quality parts.
• Create and maintain accurate records of all plant purchases and inventory levels.
• Negotiate pricing and payment terms, and control costs to meet organizational goals
• Initiates MRO and service purchase requisitions and orders as needed utilizing ARIBA and SAP.
• Receive ARIBA orders invoices receipts.
• Replenishment of all MRO stocked parts
• Expedite deliveries and follow through as needed.
• Kitting of maintenance work order parts.
• Manage VMI Programs.
• Manage Vending Machine Programs
• Process all plant releases (Tracking for off-site repair parts)
• Update stocked parts lead times.
• Inactivate obsolete parts
• Manage return & resale of obsolete equipment
• Manage repairable program
• Create/Modify new bin locations
• Coordinate cycle counts.
• Process RMAs.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field
• Previous experience in a procurement or buying role within a manufacturing environment
• 5+ years of experience in a plant buying or sourcing role
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SAP inventory management systems.
• Strong negotiation skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Familiarity with supply chain and procurement best practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Certifications such as CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager) or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) are preferred.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.