Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

OVERVIEW

  The DFW Buyer procures materials, parts, and supplies to support Pattison ID’s manufacturing schedules and job-specific requirements. The role manages purchasing activities from sourcing and quotation review through purchase order placement, supplier follow-up, delivery coordination, and open purchase order reconciliation. Key areas of responsibility include expediting critical materials, coordinating invoice and payment matters with Accounts Payable, and resolving supplier issues. The Buyer works closely with Project Managers, Production Scheduling, Manufacturing, CAD/CAM, the Vinyl Department, Accounts Payable, and Operations Leadership to maintain material availability and follow company purchasing and approval procedures.

Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities:

• Execute purchasing activities under the guidance of the Material Manager and internal stakeholders, following company purchasing procedures and obtaining required management approvals for deposits and non-standard purchases.
• Source materials, parts, and supplies for production and specific customer jobs or work orders, aligning purchases with internal material requests, engineering drawings, and manufacturing requirements. Identify and evaluate suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability.
• Maintain supplier relationships and serve as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal departments. Respond to vendor inquiries, coordinate order timing and fulfillment arrangements, and support adherence to quality and performance standards.
• Resolve supplier-related purchase order, fulfillment, and payment inquiries promptly. Coordinate with Accounts Payable to submit invoices and deposit requests for processing, follow up on unpaid invoices, and confirm payment dates for suppliers.
• Request quotations and obtain supplier pricing and lead times after placing orders. Compare supplier responses based on quality, lead time, and cost to support purchasing decisions.
• Create and issue purchase orders, send orders to suppliers, request order acknowledgments, and verify that purchase order pricing matches supplier quotations.
• Review open and aging purchase orders, follow up on outstanding items, reconcile order status, and close completed purchase orders to reduce backlog and maintain accurate open purchase order reports.
• Coordinate supplier shipments, delivery dates, and site deliveries to support production and project schedules. Address lead-time issues and coordinate freight, import, and duty-payment matters with the appropriate parties.
• Follow up with suppliers on order acknowledgments, order status, lead times, delivery commitments, and estimated arrival dates. Expedite urgent and critical material requirements to minimize production disruptions.
• Work with Project Managers, Production Scheduling, Manufacturing, CAD/CAM, the Vinyl Department, and Operations Leadership to confirm material quantities, anticipated demand, specialized material availability, and additional purchasing needs. Implement contingency plans to address unforeseen issues or material shortages.
• Assist with periodic and year-end physical inventory counts.
• Seek opportunities for process improvements within the department.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience, preferably in an industrial/manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to read blueprints is advantageous.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work under pressure.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated decision-making and judgment skills.
• Ability to work independently while taking directions as needed.
• Office-based work utilizing standard equipment.
• Proficiency in data entry using traditional keyboards or 10-key keypads.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Engage in repetitive motions related to computer equipment.
• Regular lifting, carrying, and moving of objects, files, and documents.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to sit and use hands to operate the telephone, type and operate computer and mouse.

• The employee is frequently required to talk, hear, and bend and twist neck.