Buyer

Note: This position is on-site, located in Kansas City, MO. It is not a remote position. POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Director of SIOP, the Buyer I supports the procurement function by sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing goods and services to meet organizational needs. This role contributes to cost-effective purchasing, reliable supply, and optimized inventory levels through effective supplier management, accurate purchasing processes, and cross-functional collaboration. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supplier Sourcing and Management Support strategic RFQs by following the sourcing strategy, playbook, and direction provided by the Director of Sourcing. Evaluate potential suppliers to ensure quality, cost, service, capacity, and lead-time expectations are met. Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to achieve cost savings and favorable agreements while utilizing standard supplier contracts and terms. Work with suppliers to hold inventory, improve lead times, and support reliable supply continuity. Maintain strong supplier relationships and monitor supplier performance using defined metrics such as on-time delivery, quality, and cost. Track and report cost savings, supplier performance, purchasing KPIs, and supply risks; escalate capacity concerns to the Director of Sourcing as needed. Purchasing and Order Management Manage purchasing responsibilities for assigned key product categories across North America. Partner with Demand Planning to understand optimal inventory levels and align purchase decisions to forecasted needs. Generate purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner to support operational requirements. Monitor order status, ensure timely delivery of goods and services, and resolve discrepancies to minimize disruptions. Maintain accurate purchasing data, documentation, and system records to support reporting and audit readiness. Inventory, Demand Support, and Market Analysis Assist in managing inventory levels to balance product availability, carrying costs, excess inventory, and shortages. Track inventory movement, investigate variances, and coordinate with the Demand Planner to improve inventory accuracy. Monitor market trends, pricing, and product availability to inform purchasing decisions. Recommend alternative suppliers or products to the Director of Sourcing to mitigate risk and control costs. Support cost reduction, value improvement, and process improvement initiatives across the supply chain. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement activities with business needs, priorities, and issue resolution. Other Duties Perform other duties as assigned from time to time. REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience using ERP, purchasing, and forecasting systems to support procurement activity. Strong data entry accuracy, reporting discipline, and ability to maintain clean purchasing records. Basic to intermediate analytical, problem-solving, and root-cause investigation skills. Working knowledge of procurement, purchasing, supplier management, and order management processes. Understanding of inventory management principles, demand planning inputs, lead times, and service-level impacts. Ability to communicate clearly with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and support timely execution. Basic market analysis skills, including reviewing pricing trends, product availability, and supplier options. KEY COMPETENCIES: Purchasing execution and purchase order accuracy Supplier sourcing, negotiation, and relationship management Inventory planning support and demand alignment ERP data accuracy, documentation, and reporting discipline Market awareness, cost control, and supplier risk identification Cross-functional communication and issue resolution Process improvement mindset within procurement and supply chain workflows SUCCESS MEASURES: Accurate and timely purchase order creation and maintenance Improved supplier performance related to on-time delivery, quality, cost, and lead times Effective support of inventory availability while minimizing excess, shortages, and carrying costs Documented cost savings, purchasing KPIs, supplier risks, and mitigation actions Strong collaboration with Demand Planning, Sourcing, and internal stakeholders Consistent compliance with purchasing policies, supplier terms, and documentation expectations BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES: Pays close attention to quality standards Follows through with established requirements Works well with clearly defined structures Is highly attentive to details Carefully follows rules and regulations Collaborates comfortably with different groups of people Makes efficient use of existing resources Is highly skilled and knowledgeable in specific areas EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field preferred. Minimum of 1 year of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain. Experience in distribution, manufacturing, or industrial products preferred. Experience working with ERP systems and forecasting tools preferred. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Equal Opportunity Employer We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. Selection decisions are based on joba desk and working on a computer. #J-18808-Ljbffr