Buyer

AFL•Duncan, SC

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $2B in revenue, and employ approximately 11,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity. Job Summary The Buyer position is responsible for the planning and purchasing of raw materials in support of the manufacturing organization or planning and purchasing of finished goods for the distribution organization managing the supplier base and executing the overall Supply Chain organization business plan.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Business, Supply Chain Management or Engineering, will consider equivalent work experience
Experience in material planning and purchasing, preferably in the telecommunications industry
Must have solid understanding of materials operations, materials planning and inventory control in a lean manufacturing environment
Potential to grow into positions of increasing responsibility based on results and capabilities
Experience with MRP Software
Intermediate or higher user of MS Office
Strong analytical, time management and writing skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in supplier and contract negotiation is preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Maintain complete ownership of the procurement process to include creating requisitions through MRP and ensuring on-time delivery of required materials including, but not limited to, ordering, expediting, invoice reconciliation, and returns to support production or distribution activities as assigned.
Deliver assigned supply chain objectives in support of annual BU plan, while balancing material availability against cost
Support activities as it relates to new part number introduction through Engineering Change Order process, i.e. FAIs and new Supplier Setups.
Analyze inventory levels as required to coincide with changing customer demand, lead time changes and other initiatives and provide recommendations to Demand Planning Supply Chain Analytics team when changes need to be made based on updated attributes
Interface with vendors with respect to price negotiation, availability of materials, and delivery time
Ensure that all purchase orders are clearly defined, entered and updated, in an accurate and timely manner.
Continuously work to improve delivery, quality and service of suppliers
Ensure that problems relating to delivery or pricing are promptly conveyed to the vendor and resolved in a timely manner
Work with Supplier Development Teams and Supplier Quality teams to address issues related to quality of products.
Assist in populating Supplier Scorecards to drive desired behaviors with the suppliers.
Pursue inventory and cost reduction initiatives
Update cost saving reports monthly or as required to support Business objectives
Research and establish contacts with potential new vendors to develop additional or new sources for off-the-shelf components