Senior Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

INTRODUCTION TO AM GENERAL

AM General develops and builds specialized ground vehicle systems that get the US Armed Services and our allies to and from their mission safely. Our innovative spirit delivers advanced, rugged, resilient, and dependable mobility solutions. We are one team dedicated to producing the best products for our customers. We have a collective understanding that at AM General our purpose is to serve those who serve to protect us.

We R.I.D.E. with Sgt. Smith!  

GENERAL SUMMARY

As a member of the Defense Supply Chain Management (SCM) team, this role interfaces with the rest of the production team to perform major procurement activities, in the acquisition of a broad range of products and services, including both direct material and indirect products and services. Understand, analyze, and communicate cost and supplier data to implement commodity strategies established by management and to optimize sourcing direction.
Qualifies vendors, evaluates bids, and negotiates prices and terms for purchased goods and services. Tracks purchases, monitors vendor quality, and maintains a current database of vendor information.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and administering contracts/purchase orders for Defense requirements
• Supports bid/proposal submission process
• Ensures all purchases adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). 
• Employs cost reduction strategies to meet SCM deliverables
• Maintains commodity supply base at an optimal level
• Participates in strategic planning for commodity strategies and processes
• Provides mentoring and training for buyers and assistance to manager, as required
• Interfaces cross-functionally with Pricing, Material Integration, Materials, Quality, Engineering, Design, and Finance/Accounting to support the organization's goals and deliverables
• Work with Material Integration and Materials activity to ensure clear identification of order requirements
• Understand supplier capability to ensure optimal sourcing decisions to meet best quality, cost, and delivery requirements
• Compare competitive quotes for best value and negotiate cost with suppliers
• Work collaboratively with Aftermarket group to understand buying strategies and maximize opportunities for cost reduction/control and execute commodity strategies as established by the team
• Work with SCM supplier development and Aftermarket/Advanced/Commercial groups to identify/develop potential suppliers
• Complete file documentation to ensure determination of fair and reasonable pricing
• Source complex components/assemblies through issuance of contracts and purchase orders to supply base in support of order requirements
• Support bid/proposal process by obtaining competitive quotes, whenever possible, from supply base
• Enter and maintain all information in SAP
• Identify cost avoidance/reduction opportunities and participating in continuous improvement of processes and tools
• Maintain production supply base at an optimal level
• Drive creation of commodity strategies for production sourcing direction, with involvement of Aftermarket group for shared commodities
• Mentor/provide training to buyers and provide assistance to manager, as required
• Participate in a Rapid Improvement Event (RIE) for process improvement
• Interface with other cross-functional activities/departments
• Execute administrative duties, as required

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Business, or Supply Chain or a related field; or 5+ years of relevant supply chain management experience. 
• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or legacy CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager) certification preferred in lieu of a degree
• Minimum of 4 years of procurement experience with a bachelor's degree.
• REQUIRED: procurement in the defense industry at a minimum of 2 years. 
• Experience with FAR/DFAR required. 
• SAP S/4HANA experience preferred
• Experience negotiating within the automotive or defense industries
• Demonstrated self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to work independently
• Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to create and present detailed sourcing analyses using PowerPoint
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build effective internal and external relationships
• Ability to read engineering prints and understand basic component manufacturing processes
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong customer service orientation with a focus on supporting internal stakeholders
• Adaptable and flexible with the ability to recommend and implement process improvements
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Sight: must be able to regularly read computer screen, reports, and various documents with detail and clarity to accomplish work tasks in a safe and efficient manner, including regular use of adequate close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus
• Hearing: must be able to regularly hear well enough to communicate

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical Location: This position operates between an office and manufacturing plant environment and is often assigned to a specific shift or hours. The Employee must be able to perform job functions in an environment with varying difficult work conditions such as extreme cold, heat, inclement weather, at heights, and/or while exposed to constant/intermittent loud noises
• Teamwork: This position will work with others to ensure efficiency in the workplace
• Listening Skills: This position will need to understand how to use machinery properly and safely to prevent accidents and ensure all tasks are completed accurately
• Ability to follow instructions: Managers assign tasks and responsibilities, which vary; this position should be able to follow instructions competently
• Methodical approach: Production lines follow a set process, so this position needs a methodical approach to ensure all tasks are completed in the correct order for a smooth-running production line
• Concentration: This position may perform the same or similar tasks repeatedly, so a strong level of concentration when carrying out these tasks is important for quality control purposes. This role is often fast paced, so being able to maintain focus at all times is important

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Up to 15% travel may be required