Mfg Plant Maintenance Buyer (Hourly)

Kroger•Bowling Green, KY

18h

About The Position

Responsible for purchasing identified parts and materials needed for maintenance operations and controlling inventory. Maintains accurate records of purchasing, locating, retrieving, and shipping maintenance materials and parts to support the plant’s day-to-day operations. Performs work safely, efficiently, and accurately to maintain and improve plant performance in Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR), and the Customer 1st strategy. Provides leadership consistent with Kroger Manufacturing’s 7 High Performance Work System principles and demonstrates the company’s values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety. The role uses a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to source, order, issue, and coordinate shipment of maintenance parts and materials from vendors. It maintains pricing and supplier records, supports inventory and budget reporting, coordinates with sourcing and procurement teams, and builds positive vendor relationships. The position also supports continuous improvement, safety and reliability initiatives, regulatory compliance, and food safety requirements.

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.

Nice To Haves

Previous food manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

Use the CMMS to source, order, and issue maintenance parts and materials, coordinate vendor shipments to the facility, maintain purchasing records, and assist with budget-related reports.
Maintain price lists and quotations by soliciting and analyzing quotations, resolving invoice discrepancies, and tracking market pricing.
Advise management on market and business conditions.
Compare prices to identify the best value and develop knowledge of local and regional suppliers, their products, and their shipping procedures and costs.
Maintain an accurate, up-to-date vendor and supplier list in the CMMS.
Support continuous improvement and learn 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 by evaluating performance, interviewing representatives, resolving complaints and adjustments, communicating with vendors, visiting vendor facilities, and arranging or participating in meetings.
Conduct an 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.
Work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens.
Perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.