Buyer

Position Summary The Buyer II provides and supports critical functions including purchasing and inventory control. The Buyer II works daily with supply chain and manufacturing to support lean inventory and procurement strategies for purchased material. The Buyer II main responsibility is ensuring all purchased materials, goods and services in support of the planned business needs and master production schedule. The Buyer II reports directly to the Materials Manager. Essential Responsibilities Responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies from suppliers. Evaluates supplier quotes and services to determine the most desirable suppliers. Maintains day‑to‑day communication with suppliers to ensure on‑time delivery, system data integrity, and ordering parameters for individual materials. Maintains ideal inventory levels to ensure on‑time deliveries, while maximizing turns and minimizing carrying costs. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks, with a wide degree of creativity and latitude expected. Understands the dynamics of effective teamwork to attain higher levels of performance. Demonstrates a commitment to engage teams in other departments or divisions of the organization. Understands and clearly demonstrates fluency in commercial components of supplier agreements. PFEP: makes materials flow fluency, value added/cost of ownership reductions, and landed cost. Skilled in Make vs. Buy analysis. Ability to create and follow Standard Work processes on a daily basis. Adapts to system/technology changes as well as use of current systems. Exhibits financial acumen, e.g., understanding lot size, inventory vs. set‑up costs. Operates with a sense of urgency, distributing time‑sensitive and accurate data. Shows strong time management and organizing skills. Identifies roadblocks in material/information flow and manages exceptions. Qualifications and Required Skills Bachelor's degree in business or supply chain, or equivalent job experience. Minimum of 8 years professional supply chain experience. Supervisory experience is a plus. Experience working with global suppliers. Exposure to LEAN methodology and LEAN manufacturing environment. Experience with contract reviews and negotiations. Experience with enterprise‑sourcing purchasing systems (ERP)—JDE E1 is a plus. Exposure to logistics, warehousing systems. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications. Advanced computer skills and proficiency with Excel, Access, and ERP systems. Travel Responsibilities Less than 5% travel, primarily domestic with some international as required. Other Compensation & Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) plan with 5% Company match. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Short‑term and long‑term disability benefits. Vacation. 100% paid parental leave. Tuition reimbursement program. Student debt retirement matching. Well‑being program. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Company‑provided life insurance. Supplemental insurance at group rates. Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department. #J-18808-Ljbffr