A New Job Site for Purchasing/Supply Chain Professionals

http://www.BuyingJobs.com or http://www.SupplyJobs.com

Posted 11/6/08

Job Summary:  Coordinates activities involved with procuring goods and services, such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and advertising, in a timely and cost-effective manner.       

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1.       Reviews requisitions.  Determines method of procurement, such as direct purchase or bid. 

2.       Confers and negotiates with vendors to obtain product or service information, such as price, availability, packaging, and delivery.  Selects products for purchase based on testing, observing, or examining items.

3.       Estimates values according to knowledge of market price.  Evaluates quotations and terms, and makes recommendations on buy decisions in a timely manner.

4.       Prepares purchase orders or bid requests, ensuring accuracy and completeness.  Reviews bid proposals and negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.

5.       Assesses ability of suppliers to meet quality requirements, suitability of product, price, and delivery capabilities, existing problems, or solidify working relationships.

6.       Seeks new sources and/or products to fulfill purchasing needs.  Evaluates potential or existing suppliers in terms of financial strength, quality, price, delivery, etc. 

7.       Proactively monitors procurement activities to avoid shortages, delays, and overstock.

8.       Expedites delivery as needed and follows up on errors, damage claims, billing, quality, packaging, or related problems.

9.       Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and takes corrective action. 

10.   Maintains manual or computerized procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.

11.   Approves invoices for payment within parameters of company policy.  Supports month-end close process for accounting.

12.   Acts as liaison between supplier base and other company personnel.

13.   Provides input on processes, procedures, materials, and services to support innovation and continuous improvement. 

14.   Supports other team members by providing assistance and training when needed.

15.   Fosters a values-based culture characterized by respect for employees and others, and a productive and fun work environment.

16.   Takes responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment by following safety procedures, using personal protective equipment as appropriate, being aware of surroundings, and correcting or reporting potential safety hazards.

17.   Follows company policies, procedures, practices, and standards of conduct.

18.   Completes other tasks, assignments, and projects as directed.

Education and Experience:

·       Bachelors degree in business or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

·       At least three years of purchasing experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed to be successful in this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

·       Excellent sourcing and negotiating skills, with demonstrated ability procure in a timely and cost-effective manner

·       Strong verbal, written, and personal interaction skills, with ability to communicate with staff at all levels and a variety of others including customers and vendors

·       Proficient with Microsoft Office applications; experience with enterprise resource planning system, such as SAP, preferred

·       Ability to handle and protect sensitive and proprietary information in a confidential manner

·       Ability to analyze and resolve problems, using independent thinking and understanding of detailed instructions and documentation

·       High degree of mental effort to manage considerable interruptions and/or frequent changes of activity or workloads

·       Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate

Working Conditions:

The typical workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, though shifts in production may involve fewer hours in a week or overtime, and may include some evenings and weekends.  Regular, predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

The incumbent may work in both office and manufacturing environments.  While in the production area, employees may be exposed to occupational hazards including, but not limited to, high noise levels, physical obstacles, exposure to chemicals, etc., and must wear appropriate safety glasses, hearing protection, clothing, and footwear in appropriate areas and follow safety practices.  The temperature in the production facility fluctuates with changing seasons.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position requires significant desk work as well as moving about the office and production areas.  Inspecting materials requires close vision, some lifting and moving, and ability to manipulate items.

Travel:  Occasional domestic or international travel may be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

If your organization has a job opening for a purchasing professional, post it here by sending the information to: webmaster.

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