SR BUYER

Job Summary: Analyzes and negotiates pricing, terms, contracts, agreements, and purchase order content and commits Adhesives Research to the purchase of raw materials, capital items, professional services, maintenance, repair, operating (MRO) item/services, and indirect supplies. Utilizes Material Resource Planning (MRP) information to determine order quantities and generate accurate supply plans for all raw materials, to ensure 100% on-time delivery to our customers while minimizing on-hand inventory levels. Identifies and uses the proper suppliers that will consistently and reliably provide the best value for appropriate designs, specifications, and quality while providing deliveries when needed and at the appropriately negotiated prices.Essential Functions: Execute procedures which lead to placing and changing purchase orders and contracts for raw materials, capital equipment, services, MRO items, and indirect materials for Operations and manufacturing and other support groupsConduct material planning analyses using current orders, sales forecasts, production schedules, lead-times and inventory levels to determine proper order quantities for all required raw materialsNegotiate pricing reductions, quality enhancements, working capital improvements, and cost avoidances by working with existing suppliers or locating new sourcesAssist R&D with necessary information and material samples to support product development programsEnsure that newly approved products utilize materials from fully approved suppliers with commercially viable supply chainsEvaluate performance, quality, and financial status of new suppliers to approve/certify them as sourcesEstablish and maintain proper documentation to confirm approved supplier status, according to current proceduresResearch supplier sources, information, and technical assistance Assure that General Liability, Automobile, and Workers’ Compensation and Employers Liability insurance certificates for suppliers are on file at AR, when necessary. Determine that these certificates fully meet AR requirements or have supplier sign Hold Harmless document and file accordinglyComplete and distribute quarterly supplier scorecards for selected suppliers and file in SharePoint folder, in accordance with current proceduresConduct and lead half-year business reviews with key suppliers to review past performance and to identify improvement opportunitiesFacilitate a prompt and effective resolution of defective material issues through the Supplier Corrective Action Response (SCAR) process, in coordination with the SQE teamInitiate and/or support change control procedures for all supplier changesDetermine the most appropriate contracting method to be used for the purchase of materials and servicesExpedite overdue delivery of purchased materials and services, when requiredEnter and maintain all purchasing data in ERP system relating to supplier information, pricing, lead-times, MOQ’s, shelf life, etc.Assure receipt of expected credits or replacements due from suppliers, resulting from shipment/receipt discrepancies, invoicing issues, or defective materialComply with and enforce all safety regulationsMonitor commodity trends on assigned materials to proactively determine price movement and business impactCapably represent AR in business negotiations and transactions with external suppliers, where he/she will be the face of the company and the liaison between the supplier and fellow AR associates in Operations, Quality, R&D, and SalesContinually offer suggestions to improve the purchasing function Support achievement of the strategies and initiatives of Purchasing’s Functional Plan and AR’s corporate goals and objectivesAdditional Responsibilities:Performs other duties and responsibilities, as required or as assignedJob Specifications: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business, purchasing, supply chain management, technical or related field is requiredMinimum of five years’ experience in Sourcing of both raw materials and MRO items in an ERP-driven manufacturing companyStrong verbal and written communications that are commensurate with level of experienceDemonstrated performance in negotiations with suppliers and in building and growing strong supplier relationships.Ability to recap and present Negotiation analysisProficiency with standard desktop computing systems and software, along with previous experience with ERP system (preferably Oracle) for purchasing, planning, and scheduling in a manufacturing environment Excel capabilitiesWorking knowledge of purchasing contract law Results-oriented mindset with demonstrated track record of delivering benefit to Purchasing and the overall businessHave a basic understanding of manufacturing operations/systems and related processesSuperior interpersonal skills when dealing with fellow associates or with external suppliersAbility to work well independently or with others in team environmentsPossess a strong decision-making process that will be used to evaluate various options, recognize similarities/differences, quickly determine benefits and risks, and take definitive action Knowledgeable in evaluating performance, quality, and financial status of new and existing suppliers, in order to approve, certify, evaluate, develop, or improve them, as requiredSufficiently dynamic to initiate activities that implement some of his/her own ideas and able to enlist other’s support to task completionPhysical Demands:None