Materials Buyer

Mueller Water Products • Kimball, TN

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Mueller’s manufacturing commitment ensures one of the world’s most precious resources, clean drinking water, reaches millions of people daily. Come be a part of something that sustains and enriches the lives of every human being. As a Materials Buyer , you will act as the liaison between the operation and the supply market performing critical functions managing the supply chain. You will work daily with supply chain, strategic sourcing, and manufacturing to support lean inventory and procurement strategies for purchased material. The professional in this position will be a critical component in building the Mueller capabilities at the Kimball facility. This is a unique opportunity to build the operation through the implementation of systems, processes, and supply relationships.

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Able to communicate at various levels within the organization
• Ability to effectively work in a team. Knowing role on team, based on project/task with a wide degree of creativity and latitude
• Demonstrated ability to successfully achieve goals through influence
• Ability to adapt to system/technology changes as well as use of current systems
• Strong organizational skills
• Possess ability to follow and challenge Standard Work processes daily
• Demonstrated Risk Awareness and Mitigation
• Skilled in Make vs. Buy analysis.
• Financial acumen (i.e. understanding lot size, inventory vs. set-up costs, AP)
• Exposure to LEAN methodology and LEAN manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to logistics, warehousing systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• BS/BA degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or technical field - OR - relevant purchasing/supply chain experience to be considered in lieu
• Minimum 4 years of Supply Chain experience
• Demonstrated Intermediate to Advanced Excel and general Microsoft Suite skills
• Knowledge and understanding of production processes and MRP systems essential

Nice To Haves

• JDE E1 or similar ERP experience
• Experience in Purchasing or Procurement: Demonstrated background in purchasing, sourcing, or procurement within a manufacturing or industrial setting. Experience managing suppliers, evaluating quotes, and negotiating pricing and delivery terms.
• Metals and Castings Expertise: A background in buying or working with steel, castings, or other raw materials used in manufacturing is highly preferred. Understanding material specifications, foundry processes, and metal market trends will be considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies from suppliers.
• Evaluates supplier quotes and services to determine most desirable suppliers.
• Maintain day to day communication with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery, system data integrity, and ordering parameters for individual materials.
• Ensure on-time deliveries, while maximizing turns, and minimizing carrying costs.
• Understands and clearly demonstrates fluency in commercial components of supplier agreements.
• Experience and knowledge managing both domestic and overseas suppliers.
• Clear understanding of long lead times while forecasting and anticipating production needs and capabilities.
• Work closely with planners and analysts in developing and reviewing stock replenishment strategy.
• Operate with a sense of urgency, and distribute time sensitive and accurate data
• Identify roadblocks in material/information flow; ability to manage exceptions.
• Completes tasks of materials planner as needed by the Purchasing Manager

Benefits

• Mueller offers an excellent salary and benefits package.
• Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees