Buyer I

First Solar•Perrysburg, OH

10d

About The Position

The Buyer I executes purchasing activities for assigned materials, services, and equipment, including obtaining bids, preparing purchase orders, and ensuring alignment with approved requisitions and standard terms and conditions. The role supports supplier negotiations, supplier qualification and onboarding, continuity of supply, inventory management, and accurate master data for planning and purchase order execution. The Buyer I works with minimal direction to evaluate potential suppliers and identify opportunities to improve pricing, delivery performance, and quality. The position collaborates with suppliers and internal teams to respond to changing production requirements, address supplier quality issues, and maintain accurate and current purchasing records. It also contributes to an effective, collaborative work environment and follows First Solar processes and requirements, including safety, SOA, ISO9000, ISO14000, and housekeeping standards. The role has no direct reports and requires an estimated 5%–10% travel. The job description may change at any time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a business or supply chain discipline, or equivalent experience.
Experience with commonly used supply chain concepts, practices, and procedures.
Experience with MRP concepts and one or more ERP systems.
Proven organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office or equivalent.
Demonstrated familiarity with negotiation approaches and methods.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with SAP or Oracle ERP systems.
APICS certification.

Responsibilities

Execute purchasing activities for assigned materials, services, and equipment by obtaining bids and preparing purchase orders that align with approved requisitions and standard terms and conditions.
Ensure purchase requisitions and purchase orders are accurate, complete, properly approved, and contain negotiated pricing for assigned suppliers.
Support supplier negotiations related to pricing, delivery, and terms.
Research and evaluate potential new suppliers to identify opportunities for improved pricing, delivery performance, and quality.
Support supplier qualification activities by gathering information, coordinating evaluations, and communicating with internal stakeholders.
Assist with onboarding new suppliers as required.
Maintain continuity of supply for assigned commodities by monitoring demand, placing orders, and adjusting delivery schedules to align with production requirements.
Monitor and maintain inventory levels for assigned materials in alignment with established targets and production needs.
Expedite or de-expedite purchase orders and adjust scheduled quantities to support changes in production demand or material requirements.
Communicate supplier quality issues and collaborate with internal teams and suppliers on root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and material disposition.
Review and analyze aging purchase orders to ensure timely updates, accuracy, and closure.
Collaborate cross-functionally and maintain effective communication with assigned suppliers.
Create and maintain accurate master data to support planning, purchasing, and material management processes.
Maintain effective communication, support teamwork, and foster a collaborative work environment while considering impacts across functions and the organization.
Adhere to First Solar processes and requirements, including safety, SOA, ISO9000, ISO14000, and housekeeping standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.