Senior Buyer

Creation Technologies•Everett, WA

8d•$115,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Senior Buyer performs purchasing activities in support of production and company operational requirements at the functional or business-unit level. Working with the BU Planning Team and/or Director of Supply Chain, the role manages procurement deliverables according to company practices to support customer materials and internal Supply Chain metrics. The Senior Buyer applies in-depth job knowledge to resolve complex problems with limited guidance, support initiatives, and train others. Success requires a proactive approach to material continuity and quality, planned inventory levels, cost monitoring, communication, and organization. The role manages high-volume, strategic, or complex customer accounts and works with customer-focused teams, planners, suppliers, Finance, Commodity Management, and other stakeholders. It manages purchase orders, supplier performance and escalations, inventory and VMI activities, cost reduction, material issues, and related procurement processes. The Senior Buyer also mentors buyers, contributes to Supply Chain improvements and best practices, participates in audits and customer reviews, and stands in for the Procurement Manager when needed. The position involves regular office-equipment use and may include exposure to dust, metals or solder, high noise, and hazards from moving equipment or machine parts. Designated PPE is required where specified; otherwise, office/business-casual attire is appropriate. The anticipated salary range is $115,000–$135,000 per year, depending on experience. The position is eligible for a quarterly bonus and a full benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in operations, inventory, or purchasing management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 5 years of experience in Supply Chain.
Experience with ERP systems in a Supply Chain environment, including purchasing and inventory.
Proficient English business communication skills, written and verbal.
Proficiency using a computer, Windows-based operating systems, and related software.
Intermediate to advanced knowledge of MS Office, including Excel functions such as V-lookups, data filters, and pivot tables.
Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
Self-motivated team player able to work well under pressure.
Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities.
Demonstrated leadership skills and potential to become a leader in the organization.

Nice To Haves

Certification or enrollment in APICs or PMAC.
Lean Supply Chain experience.

Responsibilities

Manage high-volume, strategic, or complex customer accounts.
Collaborate with regional and site customer-focused teams to support customer material and business needs.
Send Purchase Order Action (POA) reports to suppliers and manage PO actions weekly.
Generate and manage ERP purchase order releases for production and new product launches.
Monitor, track, and communicate accurate purchase order status to the Customer Focus Team (CFT).
Maintain and set up parts in ERP as needed, including preferred supplier, Prime MPN, MOQ/MPQ, lead time, and NCNR information.
Work with the Materials Planner to obtain customer authorization for pricing, NCNR, premium freight, and materials liability.
Source materials for shortages to reduce delivery impact while minimizing unfavorable PPV/CPV and excess inventory.
Manage material escalations with Commodity Management and suppliers.
Manage Material Review Board (MRB) items related to quality, receiving issues, ECO, and NCR, including supplier returns.
Execute contract changes.
Execute PFEP/VMI changes recommended by the Program Leader or Supply Chain Leader.
Adhere to supplier approval and review processes.
Manage suppliers through selection, qualification, performance monitoring, and corrective-action improvement activities.
Maintain optimum inventory levels and support Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs.
Drive cost reductions and negotiate with suppliers for items not owned by Commodity Management.
Collaborate with the Materials Planner on inventory reduction plans.
Work with Finance, suppliers, and the Commodity Manager to resolve invoice issues.
Escalate credit holds and payment-term issues to Finance when they affect supplier deliveries or invoices.
Participate in Supplier Business Reviews.
Negotiate extended payment terms and supplier discounts.
Participate in user acceptance testing for new tools and processes and act as a Superuser.
Mentor, coach, and train buyers.
Support, execute, and provide input to improve Creation Supply Chain Management initiatives and strategies.
Assist in writing and editing SOPs and desk instructions.
Support initiatives to institute best practices and actively participate in LEAN initiatives.
Participate in audits and customer review meetings.
Stand in for the Procurement Manager in their absence.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Manager.