Buyer I

Westlake Chemical; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking a skilled purchasing professional to organize and monitor purchasing records, while cultivating vendor relationships to ensure timely deliveries and economical sourcing. You will manage documents, quotes, and requisitions, and support cross-functional teams with procurement strategies.

Ideal candidates have a B.S./B.A. in a business or engineering field, at least two years in purchasing, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• B.S./B.A. in Business related or Engineering field required.
• Minimum of 2 years purchasing/procurement experience required.
• Experience working in the production industry is needed.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong business background involving realistic expectations and cost controls.
• Experience in using SAP is preferred.
• Vendor management, materials management and/or inventory management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manages the flow, recording, and processing of purchasing documents.
• Controls and manages the purchasing activity with external suppliers.
• Negotiates purchases to the most economical advantage to the Company.
• Leverages yearly purchases to achieve lowest total cost for goods through repeatable purchases and sourcing.
• Prepares bids, quotes, and requisitions; conducts cost/quality evaluations.
• Expedites orders critical to plant operations and schedules.
• Maintains preferred vendor database based on cost, quality, reliability, and types of goods.

Skills

Purchasing proficiency

Vendor management

Inventory management

Communication

Cost control

Education

B.S./B.A. in Business or Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

SUMMARY

Organizes and monitors purchasing records distribution, recording, and files retention, and actively performs purchasing activities. Cultivates new and long-standing vendor relationships to attain the mutual professionalism required to assure timely deliveries.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following: Manages the flow, recording, and processing of purchasing documents. Controls and manages the purchasing activity with external suppliers. Negotiates purchases to the most economical advantage to the Company. Leverage yearly purchases to achieve lowest total cost for the purchase of goods (mostly store goods) through the identification of repeatable purchases, potential supply base and makes recommendations on the appropriate sourcing strategy. Prepares, submits for quotes, and purchases requisitioned materials and equipment following evaluation. Prepares bid comparisons based on evaluation derived from vendor's bids. Expedites orders that are critical to the operation of the Plants and those orders that are behind schedule. Prepares and maintains preferred vendor database based on previous cost, quality of service, reliability and types of goods and materials. Assists and researches logistical information in specific areas relating to all Plant departments. Assists Accounting in resolving purchase/billing discrepancies; warehouse stores and other departments in expediting, scheduling, contracts, and specifications. Assures that purchases have the proper D.O.A. approval levels applied and that the purchasing department complies with external guidelines, such as SOX and Frank-Dodd. Contacts vendors to obtain quotes, delivery schedules, and terms of payment. When appropriate, negotiates discounts, delivery schedules and terms. Develops thorough knowledge of the Company's ERP tools. No direct supervisory responsibilities, however, requires the ability to motivate and lead non-reports in the purchasing function as well as non-purchasing functions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

B.S. / B.A. in Business related or Engineering field required. Minimum of 2 years purchasing/procurement experience required. Experience working in the production industry is needed. Effective communication skills, both written and oral. Strong business background involving realistic expectations and cost controls. Experience in using SAP is preferred. Vendor management, materials management and/or inventory management is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Incumbent may be required to travel via auto or airline on a limited basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

May be exposed to manufacturing environments on a limited basis.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day.

Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions - from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer.

For more information, visit the company's web site at www.westlake.com.

Westlake (NYSE: WLK) is a global diversified industrial company that manufactures and supplies essential products that enhance the daily lives of people around the globe.

Our products, now under a One Westlake brand, supply the necessary building blocks for everyday products across housing and infrastructure, packaging and healthcare, and automotive and consumer goods.

Consumers gain the benefits of materials Westlake produces in products such as food packaging, medical devices, soaps and detergents, car interiors, fashion, toys, shoes, furniture, electronics, siding, stone veneer, windows, outdoor living, roofing, and pipe & fittings.

Westlake is proud to contribute to driving a sustainable future through the creation of essential products that are Enhancing Your Life Every Day®.

To view other career opportunities at Westlake and our family of companies, visit https://westlaketalent.com