Description:
Responsibilities of the Buyer:
- Collaborate with departments such as sales, operations, and finance to align procurement activities with business goals and operational needs.
- Identify and address potential risks in the supply chain, including disruptions, supplier issues, and market fluctuations.
- Research suppliers, obtain quotes, and evaluate bids to select the best options based on quality, cost, and delivery.
- Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, including pricing, payment terms, discounts, and delivery schedules.
- Create accurate purchase orders detailing specifications, quantities, and terms, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Maintain strong supplier relationships through effective communication, regular follow-ups, and prompt issue resolution.
- Stay updated on market trends, pricing changes, and industry developments, and conduct market research to find new suppliers and cost-saving opportunities.
- Work closely with the Inventory Control Department to monitor stock levels, anticipate demand, and avoid overstocking or stockouts.
- Ensure purchased goods meet quality standards, addressing any issues with the Purchasing Manager and coordinating returns or replacements as needed.
- Monitor supplier contracts and expiration dates, ensuring adherence to agreed terms and conditions.
- Analyze procurement costs with a focus on budget constraints, striving to optimize costs while maintaining quality.
- Track and evaluate supplier performance using KPIs, providing insights to the Purchasing Manager for informed decision-making on supplier relationships.
- Support company objectives related to quality improvements, cost reductions, cycle time reductions, and product delivery enhancements.
- Adhere to ethical and legal standards in procurement, ensuring fair and transparent practices.
- Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements within the procurement function.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Skills of the buyer:
- Experience with MRP implementation is an advantage.
- Purchasing experience in a distribution environment is preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Focused on customer satisfaction, both internally and externally.
- Ability to multitask, take initiative, and be resourceful.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a high attention to detail.
- Superior analytical skills with a strong focus on accuracy and detail.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and take responsibility for assigned duties, demonstrating quick learning abilities.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities while meeting or exceeding deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Requirements of the Buyer:
- A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
- 3-5 years of experience in purchasing or planning.
- Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) systems.