Buyer I

kawarrick; Newburgh (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding benefits package starting/

Relocation assistance

401(k) plan vesting day 1

Vacation plan for work-life balance

Employee resource groups

Job summary

Kaiser Aluminum Warrick Operations in Newburgh, Indiana is seeking an Entry Level Purchasing Agent I to support procurement of maintenance parts, supplies, equipment, and services. This role emphasizes accuracy, adherence to policies, and timely processing of POs to meet plant requirements.

You will grow with a team, develop supplier relationships, and assist in inventory replenishment, cost control, and Lean initiatives. A Bachelor's degree is required, and ERP/Oracle BI experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Entry level purchasing with 1-5 years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree required
• Proficiency in procurement and inventory management systems; experience with ERP software, Oracle Business Intelligence software is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within teams.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Solid understanding of contract law and the execution of contracts between buyers and sellers
• Competent with computer software and tools, including Windows, Word, and Excel.
• Certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CPSD, CPM, and/or APP are preferred or considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Generate and expedite purchase orders (POs) in compliance with company policies for materials and supplies, storeroom inventory, and services.
• Perform procurement activities to support storeroom replenishment, ensure inventory accuracy, optimize min/max levels, and resolve related issues.
• Evaluate inventory replenishment requests to maintain optimal levels based on usage, criticality, and lead times.
• Follow inventory procedures and contribute to initiatives aimed at identifying and managing inventory obsolescence.
• Initiate new material creation and modifications, ensuring appropriate attributes are defined.
• Identify and develop suppliers to achieve cost, quality, and performance targets.
• Support new supplier creation and modification.
• Monitor, document, and manage supplier performance both formally and informally to ensure highest levels of service and supply.
• Act as a liaison between suppliers and plant personnel to obtain product specifications and service details, including pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Leverage Lean Manufacturing tools and other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance administrative processes, distribution, and drive cost efficiency.
• Work with stakeholders to resolve issues with defective goods or services by identifying root causes and coordinating corrective actions.
• Negotiate purchase terms and issue resolution with suppliers, including pricing, PO terms, payment, delivery, and termination options.
• Assist in resolving supplier invoice discrepancies to ensure timely payment processing.
• Ensure compliance with company financial controls related to procurement and inventory management.
• Support procurement, warehousing, and distribution of MRO inventory with a focus on cost-effective solutions.

Skills

Procurement

Inventory management

Negotiation

ERP systems

Excel

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Oracle BI

ERP software

Job description

Kaiser Aluminum Warrick has been on the path of innovation, embracing the latest technologies for almost 60 years! We have revolutionized the industry and lead the way in the development of sustainable aluminum products the you use every day for food and drinks. Our people are the bedrock for our operations. Along with their dedication to excellence and integrity, our people are drivers of continuous improvement who build on new ideas while flourishing within our growing business. We provide opportunities for you to think outside the box and bring creative and progressive solutions to our operations. Our passion for inclusion, diversity and equity is a value at the core of our organization and people. Are you ready to start your journey with us and be the future of Kaiser Warrick Aluminum? Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it-innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people.

We are looking for a Purchasing Agent I to join Kaiser Aluminum Warrick Operations in Newburgh, Indiana!

The Purchasing Agent I is responsible for adhering to standard purchasing practices in the procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with quality processes for items including maintenance parts, supplies, equipment, tools, services, and inventory management. Work is performed in accordance with established policies and procedures, with a strong focus on accuracy and efficiency to support departmental and plant requirements and deadlines.

What's in it for you!

• To support our teams and their families beyond the workplace, we provide an outstanding benefits package effective day one of employment!
• Industry leading compensation program.
• 401K options that begin vesting day 1.
• First-rate vacation plan for valuable work-life balance.
• Relocation assistance for new team members.
• Employee resource groups.

What you will work on:

• Generate and expedite purchase orders (POs) in compliance with company policies for materials and supplies, storeroom inventory, and services.
• Perform procurement activities to support storeroom replenishment, ensure inventory accuracy, optimize min/max levels, and resolve related issues.
• Evaluate inventory replenishment requests to maintain optimal levels based on usage, criticality, and lead times.
• Follow inventory procedures and contribute to initiatives aimed at identifying and managing inventory obsolescence.
• Initiate new material creation and modifications, ensuring appropriate attributes are defined.
• Identify and develop suppliers to achieve cost, quality, and performance targets.
• Support new supplier creation and modification.
• Monitor, document, and manage supplier performance both formally and informally to ensure highest levels of service and supply.
• Act as a liaison between suppliers and plant personnel to obtain product specifications and service details, including pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Leverage Lean Manufacturing tools and other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance administrative processes, distribution, and drive cost efficiency.
• Work with stakeholders to resolve issues with defective goods or services by identifying root causes and coordinating corrective actions.
• Negotiate purchase terms and issue resolution with suppliers, including pricing, PO terms, payment, delivery, and termination options.
• Assist in resolving supplier invoice discrepancies to ensure timely payment processing.
• Ensure compliance with company financial controls related to procurement and inventory management.
• Support procurement, warehousing, and distribution of MRO inventory with a focus on cost-effective solutions.

About you:

• Entry level purchasing with 1-5 years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree required
• Proficiency in procurement and inventory management systems; experience with ERP software, Oracle Business Intelligence software is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within teams.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Solid understanding of contract law and the execution of contracts between buyers and sellers
• Competent with computer software and tools, including Windows, Word, and Excel.
• Certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CPSD, CPM, and/or APP are preferred or considered an asset.

About Kaiser Aluminum Warrick:

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

About Kaiser Aluminum:

Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing an inclusive cultu