Job Description

Description:

The Purchasing Specialist is a position will be responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies from vendors. This position will select merchandise for order, place orders, and stay involved in inventory distribution. The Purchasing Specialist will evaluate vendor quotes and services to determine the most desirable suppliers. This position is in support of plant and maintenance functions and must coordinate necessary resources to meet desired outcomes. The Purchasing Specialist will effectively communicate with all levels of the organization internally, as well as customers and suppliers. This position supports the business by ensuring quality maintenance and repair materials, packaging, and direct materials arrive in the right quantities, and at the right time. The person in this position will help to implement organizational strategies, standards, and practices to achieve best-in-class performance. The person in this position will focus on continuous improvement in buying, warehouse, spare parts room, and other parts of the plant.

This role is an individual contributor, reporting to the Plant Controller.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Safety:

* Comply with all plant rules, safety regulations and job hazard analysis (JHA) requirements.
* Participate in the safety, quality, TPM and good housekeeping programs as established within the plant.

Cost Management:

* Work with Maintenance Leader and maintenance department to develop and maintain appropriate inventory levels of spare parts to meet production plan.
* Utilize best sourcing practices to reduce cycle time, maximize customer service, and minimize sourcing costs.
* Develop, track, and report cost improvements, cost avoidance actions, and cost increases

Buyer:

* Maintain MRO inventory through SAP 6.0
* Managing overall invoice payment process to suppliers
* Manage all vendor and supplier relationships; ensure services are provided, agreed upon terms are met; maintain timely lead times and quality is delivered.
* Create purchase orders and manage inventory levels in accordance with OC Sourcing Standards and SOX controls to support the following:
* All Maintenance and Engineering functions including mechanical, electrical and power transmission components and misc. production items
* Assist Maintenance and Production personnel with part request to include machined/fabricated parts and safety supplies/personal protection equipment (PPE)
* Insure compliance with national accounts purchasing agreements.
* Maintain local vendor contracts and compliance with OC Sourcing Standards
* Train employees requesting services or materials in the creation of purchase requisitions for MRO materials, contract work or services.

Store Room Support:

* Assist with spare parts room material bin organization and housekeeping standards
* Monitor production schedules and resource requirements to maintain operations
* Lead critical spares assessment review
* Assist storeroom personnel in reconciling invoice discrepancies

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM):

* Execute actions related to TPM and Office & Administration Pillar success in terms of maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), driving cost reduction, leading Sourcing related projects, and implementing office and parts 5S throughout the facility
* Partners with relevant stakeholders to optimize process and drive continuous improvement initiative
* Participates in and leads Kaizen and 5S events in various work areas throughout plant
* Complete ad hoc requests as needed

Skills and Abilities

The employee should hold the following abilities:

* Possesses strong interpersonal skills and works effectively in a fast-paced environment with minimal direct supervision, while handling sensitive information in a confidential and professional manner.
* Collaborative - team focused, with the ability to work independently, proactively and professionally with minimal supervision and guidance.
* Negotiations skills - Manages the information and communications in negotiation discussions effectively and positions the business unit and / or functions to a positive solution
* Customer-oriented- Has an external perspective and understands that all business opportunities start with knowledge of how to serve our customers.
* Achieves results fast, individually and through teams - can manage data and multiple points of view quickly and creatively to arrive at balanced solutions
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple activities on a daily basis and possess exceptionally strong skills in attention to detail/accuracy/flexibility
* Ability to build and establish strong working relationships
* Ability to do complex mathematical calculations
* Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making through analytics and data
* Ability to read, write, and speak English

Computer and Software Competencies

The employee must be able to:

* Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
* Ability to learn and accurately use SAP 6.0, Talent Center, Supplier Portals

Education and/or Experience

The employee should have the following:

* Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Logistics, or related field required
* Manufacturing experience is preferred
* Demonstrated ability to communicate both internally and externally and interact with employees at all levels within the organization
* Proficient in SAP 6.0 is preferred
* CPIM Certified, preferred
* The successful candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with minimal direct supervision, while handling sensitive information in a confidential and professional manner.

Essential Physical Requirements/Work Environment

This position requires:

* Work extended / flexible hours as required
* Sit / stand / walk for prolonged periods of time
* Use computer equipment for extended periods of time.
* Travel, as needed for meetings and training LI-KJ1