Position Summary

MEPPI's High Voltage Switchgear Division (HVSD) is looking for a Buyer to procure materials for the division Production and Office areas in a timely manner at the best price and quality by establishing, negotiating, and maintaining cost-effective sources of supply through the application of professional purchasing principles and practices

Essential Functions

• Source and qualify suppliers according to quality, price, and delivery specifications. Obtain quotes and negotiate terms and conditions for material and services required for production. Monitor performance and capabilities of suppliers to ensure maintenance of delivery, quality, and price commitments. Expedite orders. Track late deliveries.
• Serve as liaison between vendors and HVSD Design and Quality Engineering to achieve cost reductions through design changes, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain optimal inventory of domestic and imported production materials, i.e., bill of materials items, small materials, electrical and mechanical parts and components, expense items, fixed assets to support continuous production operations.
• Analyze specifications and market conditions to determine best source for procurement of MEPPI supplies and parts through domestic or international vendors and suppliers.
• Communicate market conditions and trends to a variety of audiences including marketing, sales, and management.
• Provide ongoing communication to Sales regarding significant material price movements and support component requirements as necessary to quickly satisfy customer service issues in the field.
• Review requisitions and purchase orders for accuracy and conformance with established policies, procedures, and guidelines. Assign Purchase Order Numbers, maintain a log of Purchase Order Numbers, and place Purchase Orders for materials. Review computer-generated Purchase Orders to verify accuracy, delivery, and closing dates.
• Analyze backlog and material status. Manage the current vendor/supplier base to provide forecast data, determine purchase orders, and establish delivery terms.
• Read technical diagrams and specifications to aid in development of technical solutions and expedited deliveries.
• Maintain records of supplier delivery, price, and responsiveness performance. Work with suppliers to drive ongoing improvements to these primary metrics and analyze and report results.
• Negotiate returns on defective material (MRRs) and obtain RMAs in a timely manner.
• Coordinate transportation for material returns.
• Travel to domestic and international supplier locations to enhance relations, improve operations, and solve quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness issues.
• Manage and maintain accuracy and completeness of all Item Master fields assigned to purchasing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or other related discipline with a minimum of five years of experience in purchasing and/or materials coordination, or equivalent education and experience.
• Intermediate skills in supply chain systems and techniques.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills required to communicate with employees and vendors.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Office products and ERP/MRP systems.