Buyer I USA

LED FastStart•New Iberia, LA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. This role involves executing purchasing activities for assigned materials, services, and equipment, supporting supplier negotiations for cost optimization, ensuring supply continuity, and managing master data. The position requires collaboration with internal teams and suppliers to maintain effective communication and adherence to company processes and standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a business or supply chain discipline, or equivalent experience required.
Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
Experience with commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within Supply Chain.
Experience with MRP concepts and one or more ERP systems (SAP or Oracle preferred).
Proven organizational skills – ability to prioritize.
Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office or equivalent.
Demonstrated or familiar with negotiation approaches and methods.
Good communications and interpersonal skills.
All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Nice To Haves

APICS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Execute purchasing activities for assigned materials, services, and equipment by obtaining bids, preparing purchase orders, and ensuring alignment with approved requisitions and standard terms and conditions.
Support supplier negotiations related to pricing, delivery, and terms to ensure cost effective supply.
Assist in the qualification and onboarding of new suppliers as required.
Maintain continuity of supply for assigned commodities by monitoring demand, placing orders, adjusting delivery schedules, and ensuring alignment with production requirements.
Create and maintain accurate and complete master data elements to support planning processes and proper purchase order execution.
Ensure purchase requisitions and purchase orders are accurate, complete, properly approved, and contain negotiated pricing for assigned suppliers.
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.
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 as required to support changes in production demand or material requirements.
Communicate supplier quality issues and collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to support root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and appropriate material disposition.
Review and analyze aging purchase orders to ensure timely updates, accuracy, and closure.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with departments 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 applying an enterprise mindset that considers impacts across functions and the organization.
Adhere to all First Solar processes and requirements, including safety, SOA, ISO9000, ISO14000, and housekeeping standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.