Associate Buyer

Daifuku•Novi, MI

About The Position

Daifuku Airport America Corporation is seeking an Associate Buyer to process logistics invoices, create requisitions, and purchase materials and services within a defined group of custom-engineered or specialty items. Under the general supervision of the Corporate Procurement Manager, this role negotiates supplier claims and adjustments and supports procurement activities for the company’s material handling systems. The Associate Buyer works with Engineering, Finance, Sales, Estimating, Legal, Project Management, and suppliers to solicit and evaluate bids, place and administer orders and contracts, coordinate technical reviews, and help meet project schedules. The position also supports supplier qualification, purchasing records, departmental goals, and project-site or supplier visits as needed.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Business, Supply Management, Materials and Logistics Management, Procurement, or an equivalent field is strongly preferred.
One to two years of significant experience in the purchasing department of a major manufacturer or service organization is required.
Negotiation skills and knowledge of contract law, the U.C.C. Code, and federal procurement policies.
Computer literacy is required, including proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Access, and Impromptu.
Ability to manage time, think critically, exercise judgment and make decisions, monitor performance, communicate verbally and in writing, order information, and recognize potential problems.
Knowledge of English language structure, vocabulary, spelling, composition, and grammar.
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and techniques for effective manufacturing and distribution.
Ability to remain stationary for 50% of the time, move throughout the office to access file cabinets and equipment, operate a computer and other productivity machinery, inspect documents, communicate by talking and hearing, and read and assess forms and correspondence.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of experience within a defined engineered commodity group and/or contract administration.
Knowledge of SAP.

Responsibilities

Code, log, and approve freight invoices, ensuring required supporting documentation is received.
Create purchase requisitions based on engineering requests.
Follow up on open orders and expedite materials as required to maintain project schedules.
Enter orders and changes or revisions accurately into the ERP system.
Coordinate Supplier Diversity requirements and forms with Sales and Estimating for airport bids.
Purchase standard and off-the-shelf items.
Attend procurement project-team meetings and track action items.
Coordinate new supplier requests with Finance and maintain subcontractor and supplier databases.
Enter new parts into SAP.
Work with Engineering and other departments to modify or develop item specifications and qualify vendors for approved use.
Help identify secondary materials, equipment, and sources of supply.
Review purchase requisition descriptions and solicit competitive bids in accordance with company policies.
Evaluate bids based on commercial terms, price, quality, payment terms, discounts, warranties and performance, insurance, purchasing-term compliance, supplier capacity and reliability, delivery dates, and transportation.
Negotiate and procure custom-engineered or specialty items used in Daifuku Airport America Corporation material handling systems.
Administer material contracts with outside suppliers and inter-division contracts, and coordinate with the Daifuku Legal Department on final contract language when necessary.
Coordinate Engineering Design Section reviews of vendor proposals for specification conformity, technical competence and capacity, and quality-control procedures.
Consolidate or adjust quantities to obtain discounts or other price advantages.
Recommend vendors and issue purchase orders and change orders.
Negotiate claims or adjustments with suppliers for defective materials or non-performance.
Participate in and assist with developing short- and long-range departmental goals.
Visit vendor production facilities and project job sites as required, report findings to Engineering or Project Management, and negotiate revised project priorities or production schedules when necessary.