Buyer

Major Responsibilities/Activities

• Assure quality and on-time delivery of parts, products, supplies, and services purchased.
• Negotiate to optimize vendor capabilities in areas of price, quality and delivery requirements when appropriate.
• Issue requests for quotations for new items intended for use in production and evaluate based on price, lead time, availability, quality and overall value.
• Create, release and manage and monitor purchase orders and supplier commitments.
• Ensure timely delivery of materials to support business needs.
• Maintain accuracy of purchasing records within ERP system.
• Coordinate with production, engineering and operations teams regarding supply requirements.
• Expedite production parts when extraordinary situations arise that are not addressed within the standard procurement system.
• During the new product development cycle, coordinate communications with R&D and/or Product Engineering personnel by participating in solidifying supplier's quotes and supply agreements for new items intended for use in production.
• Coordinate ordering and expediting prototype components for analysis in the Alpha and Beta phases of product development.
• Provide information required for completion of purchased parts Item Masters as required.
• Assist in product activity as it relates to the purchasing function; coordinate communication between Purchasing and R&D for new products and supplies currently not procured by purchasing.
• Process initial validation for new suppliers.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships. Meet and communicate regularly with vendors to stay abreast of latest developments at the vendors affecting business relationships, technology, cost, or quality.
• Keep abreast of pricing and availability trends and recommend timely actions to management to ensure an uninterrupted flow of materials to meet production requirements.
• Escalate critical issues when necessary to minimize operational impact.
• Identify opportunities for procurement process improvements.
• Support cost reduction initiatives and sourcing strategies.
• Support inventory optimization and supply continuity efforts.
• Coordinate product obsolescence activities with suppliers and production.
• Work with accounting on Purchase Order and invoice discrepancies.
• Process special equipment requests approved by engineering.
• Process engineering change requests released from engineering.

Education Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Operations, Business, Materials Management, Supply Chain, or related field is preferred.

Experience Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years' purchasing experience within a manufacturing environment, preferably in a high-volume manufacturing or electro-mechanical assembly environment.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and experience in a Lean Manufacturing environment is required.
• Computer proficiency in a Windows environment is required, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Must possess extremely strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• International purchasing experience is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of Oracle is a plus.

Quality Responsibilities:

• Proactive actions to prevent the occurrence of any non-conformities relating to product, process, and quality systems.
• Identify and record any problems relating to the product, process, and quality system.
• Initiate, recommend or provide solutions through designated channels.
• Control further processing, delivery, or installation of non-conforming product until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to normal office conditions and usual office equipment like telephone, personal computer, reports, and files. The employee will also be exposed to normal conditions of a manufacturing facility. The employee will be regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee will be required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and climb or balance and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will frequently lift, carry, or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 35 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Innovative Controls Systems (ICS) is part of OPW VWS, a leader in the Vehicle Wash Manufacturing industry. ICS brings expertise and industry leadership in POS MGT Systems, Payment Terminals, Car Wash Controllers, Accessories, and other Car Wash Equipment. Excellent benefits package with health, dental, vision, disability & life insurance. Paid time off, paid holidays as well as an on-site Cafeteria and Employee Fitness Center.

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