Buyer I

First Solar•Perrysburg, OH

About The Position

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Responsible for processing and following up on purchase orders, monthly cash flow reporting, supporting the sourcing and procurement of capital equipment including obtaining bids, evaluating supplier proposals, and negotiating low spend contracts for equipment purchases. Negotiates pricing and delivery with vendors. Supports the qualification of new suppliers according to established guidelines and in a cost-efficient manner. Responsible for ensuring Purchase Orders are placed, and deliveries are scheduled and maintained to meet requirements. Responsible for Master data creation and/or maintenance to support planning and Purchase Order execution.

Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify: High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum 2 years of relevant work experience (purchasing, planning/scheduling, and supply chain).
Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with standard supply chain concepts, practices, and procedures.
Knowledge of MRP principles and proficiency with one or more ERP systems (SAP or Oracle preferred).
Associate degree in a related discipline.
Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline strongly preferred.
Proven organizational skills – ability to prioritize.
Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office or equivalent.
Demonstrated or familiar with negotiation approaches and methods.
Strong communications and interpersonal skills, with a proactive mindset and eagerness to grow.
Understanding of contract terms and ability to perform self-research to understand legal wording and clauses.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with the Strategic Capital Equipment Sourcing team to identify and qualify suppliers for capital equipment needs.
Responsible for assuring purchase requisitions and orders are appropriately approved, information is complete, data is entered accurately in the ERP system, and negotiating prices with assigned vendors.
Assists in the preparation and review of RFQs/RFPs for capital equipment purchases.
With direction, investigates new suppliers for improved price, delivery, and quality.
Supports contract review and negotiation processes for capital equipment, ensuring terms align with company standards and risk mitigation requirements.
Coordinates with engineering, operations, and finance to ensure capital equipment specifications and delivery schedules meet project requirements.
Analyze aging purchase orders.
Interfaces with many departments and assigned suppliers.
Creates/Maintains Master data information.
Maintains effective communications levels and fosters team building.
Adheres to all First Solar internal processes and procedures, including safety, SOA, ISO9000, SIO14000, and housekeeping standards.
Other duties as assigned.