Buyer

Powell Industries•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Buyer manages an assigned set of commodities to align the supply chain with demand schedules at the lowest total cost possible. The role improves supplier performance, identifies and implements appropriate inventory-stocking programs, and promptly dispositions non-conforming material to suppliers. The Buyer also reduces costs by managing purchase price variance (PPV) and delivering cost savings through local and corporate projects. This position does not allow sponsorship or relocation. It has no supervisory responsibilities. The employee typically works in a normal office environment, with occasional work in a manufacturing environment and possible exposure to factory conditions. Some work may also take place in the field, with exposure to construction sites or active customer facilities. Employees are expected to follow Powell safety rules and practices.

Requirements

High school diploma or associate’s degree.
Purchasing and supply-chain experience.
Strong negotiation skills.
Demonstrated analytical and root-cause determination skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Computer skills, including ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and supplier portals.
High level of customer focus for internal and external customers.
Regular use of hands to touch, hold, handle, or feel; frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, and hearing; occasional lifting or moving of up to 65 pounds; and maintaining balance and agility when moving on stairs or other surfaces.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Purchasing and supply-chain experience in an engineered-to-order manufacturing environment preferred.
APICS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Place purchase orders on time and in accordance with Powell’s Grants of Authority.
Adjust supplier delivery schedules to support customer schedule changes, communicate shortage status, and expedite purchase orders as needed.
Reduce the overall cost base by delivering savings from cost-reduction projects.
Improve supply-chain performance by developing action plans for poorly performing suppliers to improve delivery or exit them as suppliers.
Maintain inventory controls.
Ensure purchase-order information is accurate so supplier invoices can be processed efficiently upon receipt.
Promptly disposition non-conforming material back to suppliers to minimize schedule delays.
Maintain purchasing information in Oracle, including lead times, pricing, and minimum order quantities.
Work with the Inventory team to disposition excess and obsolete purchased inventory.
Adhere to Powell safety rules.