Category Buyer

Valmont Industries, Inc. • Valley, NE

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for procurement of assigned category related items across multiple North America Infrastructure Operations facilities, focused on timely deliveries and shipment accuracy with the goal of satisfying internal and external customer requirements. The incumbent commits funds, participates in strategic business decisions and operates as the liaison between Valmont and the supplier. The Category Buyer is accountable for purchase order creation and management up to time of delivery to internal or external customer. The Incumbent works closely with Project Administrators, Manufacturing Sites, and Customer Service Representatives to ensure demands are fulfilled, prioritized, and any updates or changes are made in a timely manner. The Category Buyer is responsible for following all supplier contracts and agreements as set by Global Commodity Management Team. This position is responsible for close collaboration with suppliers, solving issues as they arise and escalating as needed.

Requirements

• Preferred Bachelors degree with 3+ years of experience or Associates degree with 5+ years relevant experience or 7+ years of relevant experience
• Six months of experience in a production/manufacturing environment or a material control role
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, building relationships with all levels of employees
• Ability to organize and manage multiple simultaneous priorities and meet aggressive deadlines
• Attention to detail and accuracy while working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines
• Judgment and decision-making skills while comparing relative cost and benefit potential
• A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in sales, operations, operations planning, master scheduling, production planning, inventory control or production control within an MRP/ERP environment
• Knowledge of customer service functions and shipping procedures
• APICS (C.P.I.M.), CSCP, or Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional in Inventory Management Certification

Responsibilities

• Responsible for compiling and summarizing raw material demands across all North America Infrastructure Operations facilities
• Responsible for requesting quotes from suppliers if no current contract for commodity
• Responsible for placing purchase orders timely to meet demand
• Responsible for aggregating demand for category items and reviewing regularly with Global Commodity Manager and Materials teams
• Responsible for monitoring system reports across multiple sites concerning purchase orders and completing due diligence to resolve.
• Responsible for contract adherence and managing the supplier capacity to most efficiently supply necessary demand.
• Ensure purchase order confirmations are received from suppliers and communicate internally across multiple sites
• Ensure documentation and compliance actions are completed for all purchase orders
• Monitor status reports and hold regular status report meetings with suppliers and internal stakeholders at multiple sites
• Identify and lead process improvement activities to optimize resource utilization for category, engaging stakeholders at facilities to support change.
• Achievement of outstanding internal customer satisfaction and maintenance of relationships between the supply base and Valmont Industries, Inc
• Responsible for maintaining a professional working relationship with commercial partners, engineers, site materials teams and other purchasing personnel
• Responsible for managing claim for rejected material with supplier
• Responsible for managing invoicing discrepancies
• Management of open purchase orders including expedites, quantity or other date changes
• Responsible for ensuring transactional accuracy for all purchases
• Assist Accounts Payable in timely credit/debit reconciliation
• Participate in scorecards and surveys relating to suppliers
• Participate in lean initiative events
• Collaborate with Global Commodity Managers on supplier development and management
• Reviews purchasing standard work procedures for improvements to increase customer satisfaction and/or reduce cost
• Act as a backup for other central buyers

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level