Buyer I

Alphatec Spine•Carlsbad, CA

6d•$75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

This position is responsible for purchasing replenishment of component and finished goods of instruments and implants for assigned product lines. The Buyer will also assist with the purchase of prototypes, pilot production and full launch quantities for new product launches. The Buyer will ensure instruments and related components are procured through qualified sources and are delivered within set schedules. This individual will also be responsible for execution of procurement strategies, including supplier consolidation, kanban, VMI, etc. as directed. The Buyer will assist with supplier management duties and will monitor performance based on quality, delivery and lead-time metrics. Duties will also include working with the Operations team members to ensure communication of needs to suppliers and internal operations are accurate and timely. Strong analytic and problem-solving abilities, negotiation skills (for both internal and external requirements), project management, consensus building, interpersonal relationship skills, and risk management as it pertains to supply chain are important for this position. The individual in this position will provide upper management with timely information on program performance, material acquisitions and execution to technical, cost and schedule objectives.

Requirements

Proven procurement, project management, cost reduction, and process improvement skills.
Working knowledge of MRP (Materials Requirement Planning) software.
Detail oriented and possess solid math skills.
Proven negotiations skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required to communicate effectively with all levels both internal and external.
Self-directed, self-starter that possesses ability to prioritize multiple projects and works independently as well as in a team environment.
High degree of initiative and ownership.
Must possess solid analytical skills in forecasting and anticipating production needs and capabilities.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of changing situations under stress.
The ability to energize and influence cross functional project teams and individuals including internal and external resources at all levels.
Computer literacy applied to scheduling and data management.
Strong interpersonal skills requiring the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
MS Office and other applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Visio) to support project work, inventory modeling and effective management reporting and presentations
Minimum undergraduate, bachelor (BS/BA) degree, preferably in related field.
Minimum 2 years’ experience in related field, preferably in a medical device environment.

Nice To Haves

CPIM Desirable
Functional certification desired or in progress (APICS, Six Sigma, CPM, CPIM, CPCM, PMI).
Well-established track record of increasing levels of responsibility.
Process improvement functions within a manufacturing or medical device environment preferred.
Project management experience and formal project management training preferred.

Responsibilities

Initiates and monitors open purchase orders to ensure timely receipt and to maintain inventory target levels.
Assists in negotiating pricing & delivery as well as supplier selection and management.
Ensures consistent, high level performance of subcontract suppliers to delivery schedules, commitment and performance based on the terms and conditions of the negotiated contracts.
Develops and maintains a good working relationship with major suppliers in order to assure the implementation and completion of the production plan.
Supports development activities with direct purchases of raw materials, components & instruments required for prototypes, pilot production and initial launch requirements.
Provides support for engineering change orders, non-conformances, and accounting/receiving discrepancies.
Serves as core team member for product launches, set builds, and/or other special projects as assigned.
Assists with implementation of procurement strategies, including supplier consolidation, kanban, VMI programs, as well as identification of alternative procurement sources to ensure the long-term, cost effective supply.
Assists in the management of inventory levels, schedules and availability of selected items to meet build & launch schedules.
Provides liaison services between suppliers and various departments within the company, including R&D, Quality, Regulatory, etc.
Assists with negotiation of pricing & delivery, as well as supplier selection as directed.
Assists with return to vendor process (RTV) and RTV reconciliation.
Works with A/P on resolution of problem invoices or supplier billing disputes.
Performs other duties as assigned.