Plant Buyer

Plant Buyer

U.S. Pipe has been providing quality water and wastewater products since 1899, and for over the past 125 years we have proudly supported local governments, municipalities, water departments, and businesses across the United States, and the world.

U.S. Pipe is seeking a Plant Buyer for our U.S. Pipe plant in Bessemer, Alabama. At the direction of the Purchasing Manager, the ideal candidate will be responsible for purchasing materials, supplies and services in accordance with prescribed purchasing procedures and performing various related tasks in support of plant operations.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Examine purchase requests and determine the most cost-effective method for processing based on cost, time requirements, open contracts and competitive bidding.
• Identifies and selects vendors to procure required materials, negotiating for best price, satisfying quantity, quality and delivery date requirements.
• Creates and issues purchase orders/scrap POs to vendors in accordance with company procedures.
• Tracks open purchase orders against production demands and coordinates with vendors to ensure materials and services are delivered in a timely manner.
• Develops and maintains a list of approved vendors, ensuring their compliance with standard company requirements.
• Controls the inventory management process of raw materials required for plant operations.
• Coordinates with Accounts Payable and vendors to resolve invoice discrepancies.
• Generates and distributes various purchasing and inventory management reports at required intervals.
• Follows company policies and best practices to support plant cost savings, vendor performance improvements, and other initiatives
• Coordinates material returns and repairs with vendors and reviews quotes to determine cost effectiveness of repair vs. replace.
• Communicates and enforces purchasing procedures internally and assists plant personnel with all aspects of the purchasing process as needed.
• Serves as backup for Stores and Purchasing personnel in the event of absences or other need.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills and qualifications include:

• High school diploma or equivalent and 3-5 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of general production manufacturing and inventory management practices; basic business math skills.
• Familiarity with materials used in the manufacture of ductile iron pipe.
• Knowledge and experience with ERP systems and inventory management in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain organized and accurate records with attention to detail; safety-conscious, self-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills and professionalism.

The employee will be working in an office environment but will travel through the plant at times, exposing the employee to Foundry operations. The employee will be exposed to the following working conditions: Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Metallic Particles. The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, Walking, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Reaching, Talking, Seeing, Hearing and Sitting.

U.S. Pipe is an equal opportunity employer committed to developing a workforce with well-qualified individuals without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender, disability, veteran status or other protected characteristics. U.S. Pipe is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.