Find & Apply For Buyer / Purchasing Agent Jobs in Zimmerman, Minnesota

General Description:

The Buyer I position assists with the procurement and sourcing of components, raw materials, equipment, and supplies to support manufacturing, blanket Purchase Orders and contracts. The Buyer I would need to demonstrate exceptional service teamwork, accountability, innovation, and competitiveness for the company. This is accomplished through the following essential functions: Source and procure various commodities as requested. Attend weekly Production and Engineering Change Order meetings, presenting pertinent updates and working with Production and Engineering to resolve any issues. Prepare weekly meeting review notes. Review Engineering Change Orders for accuracy, obtain quotes for any new parts, update suppliers of any changes. Track Work Orders for shortages, inform the appropriate team members, and help expedite to ensure on-time delivery. Work with suppliers to resolve non-conforming part issues and past due Purchase Orders. Gather information regarding evaluation of best price, availability, quality, and delivery to review with Senior Buyers, Purchasing Manager, and/or Supply Chain Manager. Act within defined Purchase Order signing authority. Author Purchase Orders that are accurate and complete with guidance from Senior Buyers, Purchasing Manager, and/or Supply Chain Manager. Author paperwork and data entry work associated with non-conforming material management that is accurate and complete. Communicate with outside vendors for shortages or past due situations and update Purchase Orders with current delivery changes. Report immediate risk to the company from vendor operations to the Purchasing and/or Supply Chain Manager, or as assigned, and respond as directed. Input timely and accurate data to the Enterprise Resource Planning system. Maintain baseline information regarding vendor performance metrics and work with Senior Buyers to forecast performance of vendors. Assist Senior Buyers in product development timelines to ensure on-time production and delivery. Monitor market trends, competitor strategies, and market suppliers. Research and evaluate areas of opportunity and reduce costs where possible. Deliver briefs, updates, and reports when required. Develop ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, aid business performance and work towards a strategy of continuous improvement. Explore alternate sources for goods and materials. Undertake research on and evaluate existing and new suppliers. Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery, or invoice issues. Attend meetings and update others on issues or concerns (i.e., when there is a risk which could prevent the organization from meeting customer demands or where there are over-capacity concerns). Build, maintain, and manage supplier relationships and ensure good communication. Collaborate with other Supply Chain team members and other departments to ensure production needs are met. Assist with evaluating and analyzing vendor quotations and services. Maintain constant communication with supervisor about job progress. Clean and maintain cleanliness of work area. Complete other tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Successfully complete a criminal background check. Regular and reliable attendance. Flexibility to work extended hours as business needs dictate. Learn and maintain a thorough knowledge of all product and service needs as well as stay apprised of industry developments.

Skills & Abilities:

Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills. Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills; numerically astute. Demonstrated initiative and innovation in identifying opportunities for improvement and assisting change management initiatives. Strong negotiation and influencing skills. Highly skilled at building and maintaining effective and productive relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers. Ability to multi-task and demonstrate agility. Demonstrated teamwork and team building skills.

Work Experience & Knowledge Requirements:

At least 2 years' experience in a purchasing role. Contract management experience is preferred. Experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning/Manufacturing Resource Planning system. SAP Business One experience is preferred. Strong technical knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain management. Experience and proficiency with MS Office including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Education Requirements:

Associates Degree preferably in Supply Chain Management or related field. Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm