Buyer

Airboss•Auburn Hills, MI

42d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to Director, Supply Chain, this position is responsible for material sourcing and maintaining positive supplier relationships while ensuring consistent quality of product at economic prices to support production needs. The Buyer will summarize and report progress and/or roadblocks to management and will also be responsible for special projects such as supplier sourcing/resourcing, troubled supplier management and supply chain optimization.

Requirements

2-4 years of experience in Supply Chain or related field, preferably in defense, manufacturing or related industry.
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, Program Management or related field or a related degree with strong related experience.
Fluency in English required (verbal and written).
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and computer skills; must have advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
Strong understanding of supplier negotiation process.
Strong understanding of quality requirements and knowledge to evaluate supplier's ability to meet quality requirements.
Understanding and ability to perform business, cost/benefit and financial analysis.
Basic understanding of technical change process and ability to read or interpret basic drawings and engineering specifications.
Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) and listening skills; ability to communicate professionally with people within all levels of the organization and external contacts.
Conflict resolution and negotiation; the ability to handle complaints, settle disputes, and resolve conflicts.
Demonstrated ability to gain consensus in a cross functional team atmosphere.
Planning and organization skills.
Strong analytical and problem solving (technical and non-technical) skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Contracting requirements preferred.
Experience working with both Canadian and United States companies; International experience preferred.
Abilities in additional languages, particularly French preferred but not required.
Experience with IFS and/or QAD ERP systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage the supplier quoting process including both external supplier communication, internal analysis, tracking and supplier sourcing.
Issue new purchase orders and maintain/update purchase orders for price changes. Manage supplier communication related to new or updated purchase orders, and pricing.
Resolve invoice discrepancies and payment with accounting.
Maintain productive working relationships with suppliers and internal departments to ensure the procurement and development of raw materials proceed smoothly.
Oversee the initiation of action to resolve any delivery, packaging, identification or quality or warranty problems that arise with the supply base.
Facilitate timely escalation of critical supplier issues.
Identify, negotiate and implement cost savings and report monthly.
Proactively monitor the existing supply base to ensure they remain and evolve into market leaders in quality, cost, delivery, and technology offerings.
Assess, manage, and mitigate risks related to supply base.
Display a high level of internal customer service to support the growth and profitability of the company.
Works with material planners to ensure that all raw materials are available to meet schedules.
Assess supplier capabilities on quality, delivery and commercial capability.
Manage supplier launch readiness, including new program tracking.
Understand government regulations and restrictions such as ITAR, and FAR.
Manage special projects including troubled supplier analysis and improvement plans, plus supplier resourcing.
Assist in development and implementation of long-term contractual arrangements with select suppliers.