Associate Buyer

Job Title

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

Job Description

The position is responsible for purchasing of raw materials, packaging, operating supplies, maintenance and storeroom materials, contract services, capital project equipment as needed for the respective facility.

Duties And Responsibilities

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepares and issues Request for Quotes for requisitioned materials.
• Prepares bid comparisons and obtains technical bid evaluations where required.
• Process purchase orders in SAP for raw materials, packaging, operating supplies, maintenance materials, storeroom materials, contract services, capital project equipment, and capital project services as assigned by the Purchasing Supervisor.
• Purchases materials and services for the Plant in a manner which assures that the most economical advantage to the Company has been attained.
• Expedites orders that are critical to the operation of the Plant and those orders that are behind schedule.
• Assists in preparing and maintaining Preferred Vendor File based on previous cost, quality of service, reliability and types of goods and materials.
• Assists Accounting in resolving purchase/billing discrepancies; warehouse stores and other departments in expediting, scheduling, contracts, and specifications.
• Ensures that purchases comply with current D.O.A.
• Ensures that all purchasing activities performed comply with corporate and plant purchasing and accounting guidelines.
• Contacts vendors, contractors, and engineering firms to obtain quotes, delivery schedules, and terms of payment. When appropriate, negotiates discounts, delivery schedules and terms.
• Review Raw Material Certificates of Analysis (CofAs) and approve only those CofAs which indicate that the analyzed Raw Material meets the Plant's Raw Material Specifications.
• Arrange for LTL/TL/Hot Shot Shipment of equipment sent out for repair or for delivery.
• Utilize Material Return process for material sent out for repair, return to vendor for credit, exchange, or salvage.
• Assist in performing the duties of other Purchasing Personnel when they are absent due to illness or vacation.
• Respond to after-hours calls as needed.
• Assist in maintaining and tracking Contractor Insurance requirement compliance.
• Assist in the preparation of purchasing contracts, Master Agreement for Terms and Conditions Services and Goods.
• Assist with counting process of Storeroom and Warehouse inventoried items.
• Analyze inventory levels and periodically propose revised MRP levels.
• Assist with reporting and tracking Supplier conformance and non-conformance.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Perform duties in a manner that protects personal safety as well as the safety of all personnel on site. Whenever appropriate, promptly report Safety, Health or Environmental incidents or issues to management so the situation can be corrected.

Additional Duties

• Perform the primary thinking encompassed by this job description.
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Fully supports Company goals of continuous improvement and operational excellence at strategic and tactical levels including reviewing area of responsibility for improvement opportunities to initiate projects or communicate ideas to management as well as active participation on project teams.
• Any additional responsibilities or tasks as assigned.
• Perform duties in a manner that protects personal safety as well as the safety of others.
• Promptly report Safety, Health or Environmental issues or incidents to management.

Education, Experience And Qualifications

• Successful candidates must satisfy background screening, including motor vehicle record screening, drug testing & pre-employment physical requirements before starting work.
• A current, valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, or other Technical Field. One to two years related experience desirable.
• Must develop an effective use of SAP, MS Word/Excel/Outlook, and Webex.
• Must develop an ability to type 25-30 words a minute and use of 10-Key using QWERTY.
• Must have effective interpersonal, analytical, and negotiating skills.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.