Buyer

NORTHSTAR AEROSPACE•Bedford Park, IL

10d•$78,760 - $118,030

About The Position

The Buyer is responsible for managing outside processes and materials within the manufacturing area and ensuring vendors and suppliers are being properly managed. This position is also responsible for cost improvement initiatives and will be evaluating, tracking and implementing cost savings for supplies, tooling, outside processes, etc. across the procurement function. This position is in Northstar’s Procurement Department, and reports to the Planning and Scheduling Manager in the Supply Chain Group. The position works with all levels of employees throughout the organization as necessary but does not directly or indirectly supervise any other employees. This is a full-time position.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 5 year’s purchasing experience in manufacturing environment.
Must be able to work with minimal supervision
Must have proficient computer skills, especially with MS Group office Excel and Word
Comfortable learning and using ERP systems (CSI/Infor/SyteLine experience is a plus)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively to various levels within the organization as well as to external customers and vendors
Excellent organizational skills
Must be detailed oriented and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment
Reacts well under pressure
Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events

Nice To Haves

Aerospace and machine shop experience is a plus.
CSI/Infor/SyteLine experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Direct the work of entire team of vendors & suppliers in Chicago facility with a heavy focus on Outside Processing and MRO
Serve as main point of contact for any vendor or supplier-related inquiries and/or issues including follow-up for corrections or documentation issues with certifications, shipping paperwork, etc.
Monitor vendor/supplier performance and participate in identifying vendor/supplier performance improvement activities (including on time delivery and quality)
Research supply base for vendors/suppliers to ensure appropriate (i.e. approved / customer directed) vendors/suppliers are being used, utilizing competitive quotes ensuring that the business gets the quality product/service, within the expected lead-time, at the best cost
Act on cost-saving initiatives through negotiating and re-sourcing activities
Responsible for internal communications regarding vendor/supplier performance
Monitor receipt of product and ensure on time delivery
Support the dock with logistics for outside processes and customer deliveries
Contact vendors and suppliers to ensure that business needs are met, including re-arranging priorities and expediting, as necessary
Process requests for quotes and requisitions in a timely and accurate manner
Work with finance team to address issues related to vendor/supplier payments
Work with engineering and quality to ensure proper technical flow downs
Analyze and identify opportunities to consolidate, turn over and control inventory of consumable tools and supplies in tool crib and vending working closely with engineering, CI and operations team
Support continuous improvement efforts in procurement processes and documentation
Maintain personnel relations consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements, as applicable