Buyer

At AST, we enhance the efficiency, productivity, and safety of flexible aseptic manufacturing processes for the worldwide Life Science Industry by offering innovative products, services, and solutions.

Do you want to contribute to a shared vision and mission? Would you like to bring your unique talents to have a significant impact at a growing company? At AST we strive to build a workplace that enables every team member to meet and exceed their capabilities. We set our expectations high and provide the environment and resources necessary to bring out the very best. AST is proud of our team. Providing challenging and rewarding work, with opportunities for personal/professional development is our key to this longevity. AST is an equal opportunity employer.
Compensation for onsite WA applicants is $70,000 to $80,000 annually. All applicants are welcome to apply.

Employee benefits include: Medical (HSA & PPO), Dental, Vision, Long/Short term disability, HSA account with employer contribution, 401(K) (Traditional & Roth options) with up to 5% company match, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holiday, and bonus potential.

What will I be doing?
The main purpose of this role is to ensure the effective procurement of materials, components, work packages, and services. As the main point of contact with the vendors at the tactical level, you will be expected to work with both internal departments and vendors to resolve any vendor concerns and issues. The role also has the responsibility for executing strategic projects to improve vendor relationships, vendor performance, and total cost of ownership along the supply chain as well as working capital minimization. You will communicate with global suppliers at different times during the day/night and week/end.

Responsibilities:

• Generate and review MRP requirements.
• Manage POs.
• Manage supplier bidding process.
• Control Suppliers’ compliance.
• Participates as needed in the Product Specification creation/revision process.
• Responsible for communication flow between suppliers and A/P.
• Manage supplier quality issues.
• Manage updates in the planning system.
• Communicate with transportation.
• Measure, report, and improve buying efficiency and productivity.
• Plan production activities based on project milestone dates.
• Document non-conformances.
• Assist with the vendor approval process.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on vendors.
• Manage the demand signals to the vendors, ensuring all goods are received on time and in accordance with planned inventory strategies
• Manage day-to-day procurement activities
• Maintain and ensure accuracy of all ordering parameters as well as relevant material master and ERP parameters.
• Research vendors and develop new and alternative sources of supply
• Participate in continuous improvement projects.
• Assist management in negotiation and other vendor-related improvement projects in various capacities.
• Control inventory stocking levels
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a qualified Buyer.
• Mechanical aptitude: Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, energetic, dependable, honest, and thorough.
• Quality-conscious, with the ability to meet productivity goals.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others and positively motivate team members.
• Eager to cooperate with others, with good interpersonal communication skills
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and code of ethics.
• Exceptionally high level of commitment to AST’s success.
• Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be willing to take and successfully pass a drug test.

AST is proud of our team. Providing challenging and rewarding work, with opportunities for personal/professional development is our key to this longevity. AST is an equal opportunity employer.

 
This is a full-time position based in Tacoma. Compensation is competitive, including salary, bonus potential, health plan options, competitive 401K match, and paid time off.