Corporate Buyer

Position Summary

The purpose of this role is to ensure the smooth operation of procurement activities within the company, focusing on efficiency, compliance and cost-effectiveness. This is accomplished by preparing and issuing purchase orders (when needed), serving as the primary liaison with suppliers, maintaining detailed records of transactions, and ensuring compliance with internal and external policies, supporting inventory control, assisting in budget management, helping develop purchasing procedures, and supporting contract rollouts. This role also manages purchasing projects to ensure efficient, timely, and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services, maintaining the company's operational standards.

Qualifications Required

* Corporate buyer should have a minimum of an associate degree in a procurement related field is preferred, or equivalent experience.

* A background in computers, technology, statistics, and information systems with a proficiency in mathematics is also desirable. This position requires a working knowledge of JDE or related ERP system, MS Access, spreadsheets (MS Excel), and industry standard reporting tools.

* Thorough analytical skills needed to accurately analyze data in detail.

* Good verbal and written communication skills are required. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

* Ability to prepare data analysis summaries or reports for communication to project management.

* Planning skills and methods are essential to continually improve and enhance the current processes. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential to help build positive relationships and maintain professional relationships with team members, internal customers and executives at the corporate office and the laboratories. Knowledge of the JDE system for all aspects of the purchasing module. Attention to detail and sound judgment, leadership, planned schedules, and commitment to teamwork.

Qualifications Desired

* Education: A bachelor's degree in procurement, supply chain management, or a related field is preferred.

* Experience: Prior experience in procurement or supply chain roles, particularly in a corporate environment, is advantageous.

* Advanced Technical Skills: Familiarity with additional ERP systems, data visualization tools, or advanced analytics is a plus.

* Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, are beneficial for excelling in the role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

* Purchase Order Management: This involves reviewing purchase requests, preparing purchase orders, and ensuring accuracy and acknowledgment from suppliers. Following up on order confirmations is also part of this responsibility.

* Inventory Oversight: Monitoring inventory levels, participating in inventory audits, and coordinating with other departments to adjust inventory levels and reorder supplies as necessary.

* Compliance and Process Improvement: Ensuring purchasing activities comply with company policies and external regulations. Identifying inefficiencies in current processes and suggesting improvements to enhance efficiency.

* Supporting Purchasing Projects and Contract Rollouts: This includes coordinating meetings, managing project timelines, and ensuring deliverables are met according to project plans. This aspect involves project management skills and attention to detail.

* Assisting in Budget Management (when needed): Supporting budget management by providing necessary data and insights related to procurement activities.

* Developing Purchasing Procedures: Contributing to the development of purchasing procedures to streamline procurement operations and ensure consistency across the organization.

* Maintaining Detailed Records: Keeping detailed records of transactions to track purchasing activities and expenditures accurately.

* Serving as Primary Liaison with Suppliers: Acting as the main point of contact for suppliers, maintaining relationships, and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise.

* Ensuring Compliance with Internal and External Policies: This involves staying updated on relevant policies and regulations and ensuring adherence to them in all procurement activities.

* Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts with vendors to achieve organizational goals.

* Conduct market research to identify new suppliers and cost-saving opportunities.

* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand and fulfill purchasing requirements.

* Solicit and evaluate supplier quotes to identify the best options for quality, cost, and delivery.

* Other related duties as assigned.

* At any time, the incumbent must behave and operate in an ethical and Code of Conduct compliant manner.

Communication

* The incumbent will communicate with Internal teams such as purchasing, finance, operations, logistics, quality assurance, IP - Industrial Performance team and legal.

* Existing and potential suppliers.