JOB TITLE: Buyer
REPORTS TO: Procurement Manager, US and Canada
JOB PURPOSE: The Buyer will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, components, and services in alignment with production schedules, company policies, and cost objectives. This role is crucial in maintaining a seamless supply chain for our processes.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Execute the Purchasing Process according to internal company procedures and the Purchasing Sourcing Handbook.
- Support the Management Plan and profit objectives.
- Minimize Total Cost of Ownership by ensuring the best commercial conditions for the company while respecting deadlines and time frames.
- Source, negotiate, and purchase items for local needs, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. Research and gather information related to specific projects. Evaluate vendor quotes and services to determine the most desirable suppliers.
- Manage purchasing activities for raw materials, indirect materials, MRO items, and services as needed by the plant.
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure timely delivery and quality compliance.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery conditions with suppliers to optimize cost and service levels.
- Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or excess stock while aligning with production demand.
- Analyze market trends and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings or risk mitigation.
- Support the qualification of new suppliers and materials in collaboration with Quality and Engineering teams.
- Ensure contracts/agreements and supplier compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental standards and legislation requirements, as well as Corporate Social Responsibility rules.
- Collect new vendor information and work with security and accounting to activate them in the system. Ensure confidentiality and risk management requirements are met. Ensure on-site contractors are up to date with annual renewals of insurance requirements.
- Monitor order confirmations, update POs and contracts as needed, and inform end users of any delivery delays. Provide weekly reports of overdue POs. Work with vendors to minimize overdue POs. Support the logistics process related to incoming goods.
- Create and manage Purchase Orders and Contracts within the ERP system (SAP preferred) in accordance with company policy. Resolve any issues vendors have with POs. Work with end users and vendors to source replacements for obsolete parts.
- Ensure all goods and services received during the month are reflected in SAP.
- Support the Purchasing Manager in developing and implementing cost reduction programs with input from all stakeholders.
- Support accounting in resolving invoice posting issues and provide information to keep vendor information updated in SAP.
- Monitor, record, and report monthly on supplier quality issues. Handle claims as needed.
- Attend and assist the Purchasing Manager in meetings with suppliers and management. Develop and update monthly presentations.
- Perform a variety of administrative tasks, including composing letters and emails, meeting minutes, and maintaining a centralized filing system.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and sustainability initiatives.
- Assist in resolving supply chain disruptions and addressing non-conformances in a timely manner.
- Support audit and policy requirements.
- Other tasks as needed to support the efficient operations of the local Purchasing department.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of procurement or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment, automotive industry preferred.
- Working knowledge of ERP systems (SAP preferred).
- Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure in a fast-paced production setting.
