MFG Plant Maintenance Buyer

Kroger Springdale Ice Cream & Beverage•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

Responsible for purchasing identified parts and materials needed for maintenance operations and controlling inventory through accurate records of purchasing, locating, retrieving, and shipping maintenance materials and parts. The role supports optimal day-to-day plant operations and helps maintain and improve performance in Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR), and the Customer 1st strategy. The position provides leadership consistent with Kroger Manufacturing High Performance Work System principles and demonstrates the company’s values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety. The buyer uses the CMMS to manage sourcing, ordering, issuing, and shipping coordination; maintain purchasing records, quotations, pricing, and supplier information; support budget reporting and accounting procedures; and coordinate with procurement stakeholders. The role also manages vendor relationships, negotiates short-term contracts, supports inventory control and continuous improvement, and conducts the annual physical inventory of central stock. The position must comply with applicable regulatory requirements and company programs and may involve working around ingredients or finished products containing food allergens.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 2 years of prior experience in maintenance operations.
Basic math skills.
Basic knowledge of operations and production processes.
Ability to understand complex verbal and written instructions.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens.

Nice To Haves

Previous food manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

Use the CMMS to source, order, issue, and coordinate shipment of maintenance parts and materials from vendors to the facility.
Maintain accurate purchasing records and assist in preparing budget-related reports.
Maintain price lists and quotations, solicit and analyze quotations, resolve invoice discrepancies, and maintain market pricing.
Advise management on market and business conditions and compare prices to identify best value.
Develop knowledge of local and regional suppliers, their products, and shipping procedures and costs.
Maintain an accurate, up-to-date vendor and supplier list in the CMMS.
Support continuous improvement and follow Kroger accounting systems and procedures, including completing PPAS and write-off reports and working with vendors on payment issues.
Negotiate short-term contracts, consolidate shipments, expedite and coordinate changes, and control commodity inventory beyond immediate production requirements.
Coordinate requirements with Our Brands Sourcing and Procurement Category Managers and General Sales Managers.
Establish and maintain positive vendor relations, including evaluating vendor performance, interviewing representatives, resolving complaints and adjustments, communicating with vendors, visiting vendor facilities, and arranging or participating in meetings.
Conduct the annual physical inventory of all central stock.
Comply with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and procedures.
Participate in and actively support Safety and Reliability initiatives.
Balance delivery loads and times while staying within shift limits.
Follow established programs, policies, and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements.
Perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens.