Buyer

Southwest Economic Solutions; Waconia (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Waconia Manufacturing, Inc. is seeking a Buyer to negotiate prices, issue purchase orders and manage supplier relationships in our Minnesota office.

You will monitor inventory levels, coordinate with internal teams and vendors, and become proficient with Epicor ERP to support efficient procurement. The role requires a degree or 5+ years sourcing experience, strong communication, and the ability to work independently, with occasional vendor travel.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent of 5+ years relevant sourcing or procurement experience.
• Experience with ERP software, such as Epicor.
• A strong work ethic.
• Possesses qualities such as productivity, dependability, resourcefulness, efficiency, and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate prices and terms for purchases.
• Prepare and execute purchase orders for raw materials, inventoryed items, parts orders, industrial supplies and PPE.
• Research and develop new sources of supply or substitutes.
• Assist in monitoring inventory levels for regular usage.
• Monitor open purchase orders for timely deliveries meeting production needs.
• Report and help resolve inventory issues due to backorders or missing products.
• Maintain communication with internal departments and external vendors.
• Negotiate settlements for inferior shipments or delays.
• Coordinate return processes for RMAs with vendors.
• Identify and implement process improvements with the purchasing manager.
• Learn and use Epicor ERP software.
• Handle special projects or additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Negotiation

Data analysis

Communication

Independent work

Initiative

Travel

ERP familiarity

Education

Associate degree

5+ years sourcing experience

Tools

Epicor ERP

Job description

The Buyer works with vendors and suppliers to obtain needed materials, purchased parts and supplies according to established policies and procedures and at lowest cost consistent with required quality, quantity and availability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Negotiate prices and terms for purchases.
• Prepare and execute purchase orders for:
  • Raw materials, Inventoried items, Parts orders, Industrial supplies, PPE
• Actively researches and develops new sources of supply and/or recommends possible substitute materials and/or suppliers.
• Assist the purchasing manager with monitoring and maintaining proper inventory levels of materials used on a regular basis.
• Monitor open purchase orders to ensure that deliveries come in a timely manner and meet job and production requirements.
• Report potential inventory complications caused by backordered or missing products and help resolve any impending issues.
• Establish and maintain open channels of communication with both internal departments and external vendors.
• Negotiates and recommends appropriate settlement for inferior or defective shipments or other errors or delays.
• Initiate and coordinate return process for RMA items with vendors.
• Identify, discuss and implement process improvements with the purchasing manager.
• Learn and become a competent user of Epicor ERP software.
• Work on special projects or additional duties as assigned by management.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

• Collaborate with other departments to clarify and resolve project concerns and needs.
• Ability to analyze data and make recommendations and take actions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Able to maintain composure and planning capabilities under pressure.
• Occasional travel to vendor facilities and jobsites.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein 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.

• Sit for extended periods of time.
• To have hand and arm (or equivalent) dexterity adequate to allow for extensive use of a keyboard for data entry.
• To talk and hear with enough proficiency to allow for communicating with customers by phone or in person.
• To have adequate vision to accommodate frequent viewing of computer screens, print reports and customer account cards and ledgers.
• The noise level is usually moderate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree or equivalent of 5+ years relevant sourcing or procurement experience.
• Experience with ERP software, such as Epicor.
• A strong work ethic.
• Possesses qualities such as productivity, dependability, resourcefulness, efficiency, and professionalism.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess Industry certifications such as APICS, CPSM, ISM.

Compensation for this position is $60,000-80,000/year based on qualifications.

NON-EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION:

Works from an office in Waconia with periodic visits to our facility in Norwood Young America. Equipment used includes, but is not limited to, personal computer, printer, fax machine, calculator and copy machine.

DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

Waconia Manufacturing, Inc. will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or status with regard to public assistance.

(The examples given above are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed and are not necessarily all-inclusive. This position description is subject to change as the needs of Waconia Manufacturing, Inc. and requirements of the position change. Waconia Manufacturing, Inc. reserves the right to change and/or eliminate any and all job duties as necessary. This position is subject to state drug and alcohol testing.)

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.