PCBG Direct Material Buyer

Mitsubishi Chemical Group•Jeffersonville, IN

2d•$82,000 - $103,000

About The Position

The PCBG Direct Material Buyer ensures the continuous supply of required goods and materials for the Performance Polymers Division, communicates supply risks, and manages purchasing activities in line with organizational targets and requirements. The role researches buying trends and markets, identifies cost-saving opportunities, develops procurement processes—including S4 Hana—and supports operational efficiency and continuous improvement. The buyer negotiates supplier contracts, prices, and terms; assesses suppliers and their performance; ensures compliance with purchasing policies; and prepares purchase orders. The role collaborates with Central/Global Procurement on applicable contracts and sourcing initiatives while retaining responsibility for PCBG execution and results. It also partners with R&D on alternate raw-material sources, works with the Inventory Manager on goals including working capital, resolves supplier issues, and serves as the Business Relationship Partner for direct procurement needs. Trade-show, exhibition, and conference attendance may be required as needed. The position may act for the purchasing manager when authorized. The position works in business office and manufacturing plant environments across multiple sites, with protective safety equipment required on the plant floor. Overnight travel may be required up to 20%. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field and substantial purchasing or supply chain experience. The stated salary range is $82,000–$103,000, with base pay potentially affected by factors including experience, education, skills, internal equity, market and business considerations, and geographic adjustment when applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.
10+ years in purchasing or supply chain management; five years or more of purchasing experience.
Computer proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong negotiation, communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
Familiarity with contracts, NDAs, MSAs, and other agreements.
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
Attention to detail and ability to set priorities.
Analytical and numerically astute, with demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
Ability to develop ethical and productive internal and external vendor relationships.
Results-oriented, with the ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines.
Customer-oriented and focused.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Familiarity with automotive OEM specifications, material requirements, and the material approval process.
Ability to work in a team-based technical environment and independently with minimal supervision.
Self-directed team player with a high level of motivation.
Ability to work in a changing environment and prioritize issues with minimum resources.
Ability to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and sit.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
Ability to maintain concentration and make data-driven decisions in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

Extrusion tooling and process knowledge is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Ensure continuous supply of required goods and materials and communicate supply problems that could affect business operations.
Research, analyze, and forecast buying trends, markets, styles, and products in relation to target markets and demographics.
Research opportunities and reduce costs where possible.
Deliver briefs, updates, and reports as required.
Develop innovative procurement processes, including S4 Hana.
Develop strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, support business performance, and promote continuous improvement.
Negotiate supplier contracts, prices, and business terms and pursue savings using procurement best practices.
Assess suppliers and conduct performance reviews to ensure contract compliance and manage performance improvements.
Maintain a professional and consistent approach to supplier relationships.
Ensure compliance with company guidelines, purchasing policies, and procedures during negotiations and contract awards.
Collaborate with Central/Global Procurement on applicable contracts, standards, and cross-business sourcing initiatives while retaining responsibility for PCBG execution and results.
Explore alternate raw-material sources with R&D based on product development and cost.
Assess potential suppliers’ contracts, terms, and quotations, including financial risks of purchases.
Prepare purchase orders in line with final negotiations and organizational targets and requirements.
Act as Business Relationship Partner for the Performance Polymers Division, ensuring direct procurement needs are understood, aligned, and met.
Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery, or invoice issues.
Work with the Inventory Manager to achieve goals and objectives, including working capital.
Attend trade shows, product exhibitions, and conferences as needed to stay informed about new products and trends.
Act in place of the purchasing manager when required and authorized.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Comply with applicable customer requirements and ISO/IATF 16949 QMS and ISO 14001 EMS requirements.