Buyer II - Supply Chain in Med Device

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of the Buyer II is to manage procurement activities for assigned commodities, suppliers, and materials to ensure uninterrupted production while supporting company objectives for cost, quality, delivery, and inventory optimization.  This position develops supplier relationships, negotiates commercial terms within delegated authority, leads sourcing initiatives, and collaborates cross-functionally to support manufacturing, engineering, quality, finance, and operations.  The role exercises independent judgment in supplier management, purchasing decisions, inventory planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.  

The role will be onsite in our Corporate Headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN. 

Job Responsibilities

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

Procurement & Strategic Sourcing

·       Independently manage an assigned portfolio of suppliers and purchased materials.

·       Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support quality, delivery, cost, and inventory objectives.

·       Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and commercial agreements within delegated purchasing authority.

·       Issue RFQs, evaluate supplier proposals, and recommend supplier selection based on total value, quality, delivery performance, and risk.

·       Create and manage purchase orders while ensuring compliance with company purchasing policies and regulatory requirements.

·       Monitor supplier performance and proactively resolve delivery, quality, capacity, and supply issues.

·       Lead supplier transitions related to engineering changes, product launches, supplier changes, and end-of-life initiatives.

·       Partner with Planning to develop material supply strategies supporting production schedules and inventory objectives.

·       Identify and implement cost savings, supplier consolidation, and value engineering opportunities.

Inventory & Material Planning

·       Analyze inventory trends and planning parameters to maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory.

·       Manage inventory transactions, warehouse cycle counting and warehouse support

·       Collaborate with Planning and Manufacturing to manage production material and supplies availability to mitigate supply risks.

·       Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions to improve inventory accuracy.

·       Recommend improvements to safety stock levels, reorder points, and planning parameters.

·       Support cycle count analysis and inventory reconciliation activities.

Supplier Relationship Management

·       Serve as the primary commercial contact for assigned suppliers.

·       Conduct supplier business reviews and performance evaluations using established supplier performance metrics.

·       Partner with Quality and Engineering to resolve supplier quality issues and implement corrective actions.

·       Monitor supplier performance against established KPIs and develop supplier improvement plans.

·       Support supplier qualification, audits, and ongoing supplier development initiatives.

·       Cross-Functional Leadership

·       Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Operations, and Warehouse teams.

·       Lead procurement activities supporting new product introductions, product transfers, engineering changes, and manufacturing process improvements.

·       Provide procurement expertise on cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives.

Continuous Improvement & Analytics

·       Analyze purchasing, supplier, inventory, and spend data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.

·       Develop reports and performance metrics supporting procurement and supply chain objectives.

·       Lead continuous improvement initiatives that improve supplier performance, inventory accuracy, purchasing efficiency, and operational effectiveness.

·       Recommend and implement best practices across procurement and supply chain operations.

·       Support ERP, MRP, and supply chain system enhancements.

Additional Responsibilities

·       Manage purchasing activities within established approval authority.

·       Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to purchased materials.

·       Maintain compliance with FDA, ISO 13485, and company quality system requirements.

·       Cross-train and provide backup support for other procurement and supply chain functions.

·       Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

·       Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field.

·       3–5 years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.

·       Experience independently managing supplier relationships and procurement activities.

·       Experience negotiating pricing and commercial terms with suppliers.

·       Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.

·       Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

·       Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.

·       Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Medical device, life sciences, or other regulated manufacturing experience.

·       Experience supporting FDA and ISO 13485 regulated environments.

·       Experience with supplier quality systems and supplier development.

·       Knowledge of inventory planning, demand planning, and material management.

·       APICS (CPIM) or ISM (CPSM) certification preferred.

Physical Requirements:

·       The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       The employee must be able to lift 50lbs.

·       The employee is also required to use a computer and communicate with others.