Entry-level professional with broad theoretical job knowledge. Responsible for purchasing materials, supplies and/or equipment in support of business needs. Manages purchase orders, oversees shipping schedules, and maintains purchase order records. Conducts market research to award and negotiate with vendors, including price and delivery terms. Prepares monthly reports to analyze performance and ensure goals are met. Attends buyer meetings. Creates meeting agendas for supplier visits and writes post trip reports with action items. Works collaboratively with other departments to solve problems related to supply chain constraints. Obtains quotes by forwarding requirements to current suppliers and recommends alterative suppliers. Build and maintains relationships with current suppliers and contributes to the onboarding of prospective suppliers. Assists with procurement operational objectives by contributing information and analysis to strategic plans and reviews. Plans materials and/or supplies purchases by reviewing operations plans and requirements. May lead negotiations with suppliers and analyzes suppliers' operations to determine factors that affect prices and to determine lowest cost consistent with quality, reliability, and ability to meet required schedules. Contributes to purchase order assembly and ownership through the life cycle of the purchase order. Assists in ensuring compliance with all related applicable Federal, State, and industry laws, regulations, and standards.