Buyer

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented team player who will oversee the entire order process. You will review proposals, negotiate prices, select the best suppliers, analyze trends, follow up with placed orders, verify delivery, approve payment, and maintain necessary records.

***Please note that, due to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) requirements, this position is limited to U.S. persons, defined as U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders).***

Responsibilities

• Research and find new, cost competitive and high-quality suppliers to allow KSM to improve our value proposition.
• Issues RFQ’s for material with current suppliers and prospective new suppliers. Negotiates contracts for the procurement of required materials/services from suppliers.
• Visit suppliers for initial, ongoing and auditing meetings to monitor level/quality of products and service.
• Establish, develop and maintain relations with suppliers and leverage supplier technical/operating expertise as required.
• Perform supplier audits, supplier selection and ongoing rating/reviews.
• Optimizes material cost through vendor analysis, quality, schedule, cost evaluation, etc. Applies cost effective measures as related to support standard cost and buying decisions.
• Negotiate lower minimum order quantities while simultaneously negotiating lower pricing.
• Negotiate, secure and monitor supplier commitments to ensure timely product deliveries.
• Remain current on market trends with competitors, suppliers, and procurement pipelines with alternate vendors to ensure standards are maintained in accordance with required margins.
• Expedite orders as necessary. Identify actual and potential delivery problems and take proactive steps to inform appropriate personnel.
• Verify data accuracy (part numbers, BOMs, part costs) in MRP and report any problems.
• Compile reports by gathering data from multiple internal and external sources.Maintain accurate and updated internal spreadsheets and databases for pricing, RFQ, supplier information for record keeping and decision-making purposes.
• Control incoming freight and handling costs.
• Monitors, analyzes and reports material variances to standard cost. Interfaces with Accounting, Sales, Engineering, and Production to establish standard costs.
• Plan, schedule and monitor the movement of materials through the development, prototype and production cycle with new product launches.
• Work on special projects/tasks to support activities of the procurement department.

Qualifications

• 2-year degree from college or technical school required; Bachelor’s degree in relevant field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct experience in purchasing/procurement.
• Knowledge of purchasing, logistics, and quality processes required.
• Knowledge of electronics manufacturing preferred.
• Knowledge of technical drawings, reading blueprints/ specifications preferred.
• Proven analytical skills: work with multiple vendors to determine best deals, evaluate pros and cons.
• Effective decision-making skills when selecting vendors and products.
• Proven negotiating skills to close best options on behalf of KSM.
• Strong communication skills (written and spoken).
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Excel).