Category Buyer

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Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better.

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Position Overview

This position is available in Omaha, NE and Tulsa, OK. The role involves procurement of assigned category related items across multiple North America Infrastructure Operations facilities, focused on timely deliveries and shipment accuracy with the goal of satisfying internal and external customer requirements. The incumbent commits funds, participates in strategic business decisions and operates as the liaison between Valmont and the supplier. The Category Buyer is accountable for purchase order creation and management up to time of delivery to internal or external customer. The Incumbent works closely with Project Administrators, Manufacturing Sites, and Customer Service Representatives to ensure demands are fulfilled, prioritized, and any updates or changes are made in a timely manner. The Category Buyer is responsible for following all supplier contracts and agreements as set by Global Commodity Management Team. This position is responsible for close collaboration with suppliers, solving issues as they arise and escalating as needed.

Essential Functions

1. Responsible for compiling and summarizing raw material demands across all North America Infrastructure Operations facilities
2. Responsible for requesting quotes from suppliers if no current contract for commodity
3. Responsible for placing purchase orders timely to meet demand
4. Responsible for aggregating demand for category items and reviewing regularly with Global Commodity Manager and Materials teams
5. Responsible for monitoring system reports across multiple sites concerning purchase orders and completing due diligence to resolve.
6. Responsible for contract adherence and managing the supplier capacity to most efficiently supply necessary demand.
7. Ensure purchase order confirmations are received from suppliers and communicate internally across multiple sites
8. Ensure documentation and compliance actions are completed for all purchase orders
9. Monitor status reports and hold regular status report meetings with suppliers and internal stakeholders at multiple sites
10. Identify and lead process improvement activities to optimize resource utilization for category, engaging stakeholders at facilities to support change.
11. Achievement of outstanding internal customer satisfaction and maintenance of relationships between the supply base and Valmont Industries, Inc
12. Responsible for maintaining a professional working relationship with commercial partners, engineers, site materials teams and other purchasing personnel
13. Responsible for managing claim for rejected material with supplier
14. Responsible for managing invoicing discrepancies
15. Management of open purchase orders including expedites, quantity or other date changes
16. Responsible for ensuring transactional accuracy for all purchases
17. Assist Accounts Payable in timely credit/debit reconciliation
18. Participate in scorecards and surveys relating to suppliers
19. Participate in lean initiative events
20. Collaborate with Global Commodity Managers on supplier development and management
21. Reviews purchasing standard work procedures for improvements to increase customer satisfaction and/or reduce cost
22. Act as a backup for other central buyers.
23. This position reports to a Senior Manager, Purchasing.

Required Qualifications

• Preferred Bachelors degree with 3+ years of experience or Associates degree with 5+ years relevant experience or 7+ years of relevant experience
• Six months of experience in a production/manufacturing environment or a material control role
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, building relationships with all levels of employees
• Ability to organize and manage multiple simultaneous priorities and meet aggressive deadlines
• Attention to detail and accuracy while working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines
• Judgment and decision-making skills while comparing relative cost and benefit potential
• A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications

• Previous experience in sales, operations, operations planning, master scheduling, production planning, inventory control or production control within an MRP/ERP environment
• Knowledge of customer service functions and shipping procedures
• APICS (C.P.I.M.), CSCP, or Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional in Inventory Management Certification

Working Environment and Physical Efforts

Work is typically performed in an office setting. The incumbent is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time, as well as talk and listen on the phone and in personal conversations or meetings. Environment is fast paced and demanding most of the time. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms while working in the office with various files and forms and while working on the computer. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office. Incumbent must utilize proper ergonomic safeguards such as monitor height and positions, keyboard location and height and proper wrists rests. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds in working with large files, binders, and computer equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The position does require the incumbent to have a valid US driver's license and be able to travel by plane as required by the job.

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family's overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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