Senior Buyer

Sulzer • Santa Ana, CA

10d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Supply Chain Manager, the Senior Buyer plans, develops, and executes commodity strategies on a global scale. The role manages supplier performance, negotiates pricing, and builds supplier relationships to support continuous improvement of the supply chain. It also performs tactical purchasing, supports material availability, and manages assigned commodity sourcing and supplier activities.

The position works with internal departments and suppliers to meet quality, delivery, cost, lead-time, and inventory objectives. It uses the Visual system and ERP data to plan purchase orders, maintain accurate lead times and delivery dates, and address material discrepancies. The Senior Buyer also identifies sourcing and cost-saving opportunities, leads supplier improvement efforts, and may travel to supplier factories for evaluations and order reviews. JWC provides product and customer services training as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Three to five years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment, including supply chain or procurement experience.
• Strong knowledge of procurement and negotiating techniques, principles, and concepts.
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements related to procurement.
• Experience in industrial procurement of castings, machined parts, custom fabrication, and other components in the United States, China, and other global markets.
• Strong OSM/OSP experience.
• General knowledge of and ability to apply continuous-improvement techniques to purchasing and related areas.
• Ability to communicate and present information effectively to suppliers, team members, team leaders, and top management.
• Ability to interact with managers, directors, and vice presidents to communicate market trends and business concerns.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills, with attention to detail and the ability to keep the broader picture in focus.
• Computer skills compatible with standard software, including Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Ability to travel as required for supplier evaluations and order reviews at supplier factories.
• Self-motivated, flexible, reliable, dependable, and a team player with a strong work ethic and positive, constructive attitude.
• Outstanding business etiquette and procurement ethics.

Nice To Haves

• APICS certification.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• CPM or CPSM certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform tactical purchasing activities for assigned areas of spend and drive material availability.
• Use the Visual system to generate material needs and plan purchase orders.
• Follow up with suppliers and expedite material as needed to meet customer expectations.
• Manage supplier costs and align suppliers with lean manufacturing and demand-based replenishment strategies.
• Negotiate annual Long-Term Agreements and blanket purchase orders.
• Source commodities to achieve best quality, delivery, and cost.
• Maintain data in Visual and keep lead times and ERP delivery dates accurate.
• Manage rejected-material discrepancy reports and ensure timely return of material.
• Participate in Material Review Board meetings as needed and communicate results to suppliers.
• Communicate nonconformance matters to suppliers and seek corrective actions.
• Resolve shipment quality discrepancies by mediating supplier and manufacturing issues.
• Develop procurement strategies for assigned commodities; analyze direct-material spend, identify and quantify containment opportunities, and communicate plans.
• Identify strategic sourcing and supplier-management opportunities and use lean tools to identify savings.
• Lead continuous-improvement projects with key suppliers.
• Develop preferred supplier lists by commodity and initiate requests for quotation or proposal.
• Measure supplier performance across key metrics and identify ways to improve it.
• Conduct supplier site visits to evaluate production capacity and develop plans to improve performance, delivery, and other business criteria.
• Interface with departments to ensure quality standards are met.
• Assist with special projects, protect company confidential information, and promote the company image.

Benefits

• 15 days of paid time off and 12 company-paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with a 6% match.
• Comprehensive health plan including medical, dental, vision, life, and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Health savings account matching.
• Wellness program.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid parental leave.
• Gym reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level