Buyer 3

Lockwood Industries, LLC dba Fralock•Fremont, CA

43d•$32 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer III is a senior-level purchasing agent position responsible for independently performing a broad range of purchasing activities to support production and operational requirements. This position manages assigned purchasing activities, monitors supplier performance and delivery commitments, maintains accurate purchasing data within the ERP/MRP system, and works cross-functionally to resolve material, quality, and delivery issues. The Buyer III is expected to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in established purchasing processes, exercise sound judgment within established procedures, proactively identify and resolve issues, and serve as a knowledgeable resource within the purchasing function.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of purchasing practices, procedures, and concepts, with the ability to independently apply established purchasing best practices.
Ability to manage purchasing activities with limited supervision and appropriately escalate significant supplier, material, or production concerns.
Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to perform calculations and convert between units of measure.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including experience using ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Windows.
Strong supplier communication and negotiation skills with the ability to support favorable quality, delivery, service, and pricing outcomes.
Ability to analyze purchasing, supplier, inventory, and material data and use the information to identify and resolve issues.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate purchasing and ERP data.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to coordinate activities across multiple departments.
Demonstrated accountability and follow-through, including proactively identifying issues and driving assigned purchasing activities through resolution.
Ability to work independently while effectively contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible purchasing, procurement, materials, or related experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated experience independently managing purchase orders, supplier follow-up, delivery issues, and purchasing-related transactions.
Valid driver's license and insurance, if driving is required as part of the position.
Acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting purchasing activities in an aerospace and/or medical device manufacturing environment.
Experience working in a regulated or quality-driven manufacturing environment.
Strong ERP/MRP system experience.
Made2Manage (M2M) experience or experience with a comparable manufacturing ERP system.
Experience analyzing supplier performance, inventory levels, lead times, and purchasing data.
Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives within Purchasing, Supply Chain, or Materials.
Additional education or training in purchasing, supply chain, business, manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Independently review the purchasing queue and place purchase orders with approved suppliers based on production requirements, inventory levels, lead times, and established purchasing procedures.
Proactively monitor and follow up on open purchase orders to ensure materials are delivered on time and communicate potential shortages, delays, or other supply concerns to appropriate stakeholders.
Work directly with suppliers to resolve delivery, pricing, quantity, and other purchase-order discrepancies.
Communicate and negotiate with suppliers regarding pricing, quality, delivery, lead times, and other purchasing requirements within established guidelines.
Coordinate with Quality to address non-conforming materials and supplier-related quality issues.
Coordinate supplier returns with Shipping and ensure Accounts Payable is notified of returns, credits, or other purchasing-related adjustments.
Complete required documentation and coordinate the approval process for new suppliers. Once approved, accurately establish and maintain supplier information in M2M.
Regularly review and evaluate supplier performance using M2M data, including delivery performance, lead times, and other relevant supplier metrics.
Maintain and update supplier lead times and other purchasing information within M2M to support accurate production and material planning.
Review inventory requirements and recommend updates to safety stock levels for purchased materials based on usage, lead times, production requirements, and supplier performance.
Analyze purchasing and inventory data to identify discrepancies, trends, shortages, and opportunities to improve purchasing effectiveness.
Partner with Planning, Production, Quality, Shipping, Accounts Payable, and other departments to resolve purchasing and material-related issues.
Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes, data accuracy, supplier communication, and overall efficiency.
Assist less-experienced purchasing team members with established processes, systems, and procedures as needed.
Maintain accurate purchasing documentation and records in accordance with company procedures and applicable quality requirements.
Perform other related purchasing duties and special projects as assigned.