Sr Buyer

Westlake; Geismar (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake is seeking a Buyer II or Sr. Buyer for procurement of supplies and services supporting our petrochemical operations in Geismar, Louisiana.

You will review requisitions, evaluate vendors, negotiate terms, and ensure on‑time delivery while maintaining safety and SAP‑based processes. The ideal candidate has at least 7 years in purchasing, strong communication skills, and proficiency with MS Word/Excel and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 7 years of prior experience in the purchasing field; industrial facility experience preferred.
• Excellent communications skills, verbal and written.
• Computer literate with working knowledge of MS Word, Excel and SAP.

Responsibilities

• Review requisitions and inventory replacement reports; confer with management on specifications, quantity, and quality of material and vendors.
• Solicit and analyze quotations for low-dollar supplies; negotiate favorable contract terms.
• Expedite and ensure timely delivery; purchase subscriptions and publications.
• Interview vendors to select proper procurement sources; review invoices for PO accuracy and payment terms.
• Enter all required data into SAP; maintain purchasing contact for after-hours support.

Skills

Procurement

Vendor management

Negotiation

MS Excel

MS Word

SAP

Inventory control

Contract management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

ISNetworld

CMMS/SAP system

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

This position is responsible for purchasing supplies and services in accordance with Purchasing Department policies and procedures. This position, as required, may be tasked with managing supply contracts. As needed, this position will confer with Purchasing management regarding specifications, quantity and quality of material and preferred vendors.

This position is for procurement personnel with a minimum of 7 years prior experience in the petrochemical purchasing field. An individual in a Buyer II position will be considered for promotion to the Sr. Buyer position after a minimum of 7 years, provided employee has shown successful progression as a Buyer II.

Progression Requirements

In order to be considered for promotion to the Sr. Buyer position an employee must receive at least three consecutive favorable Employee Performance Reviews.

In addition, the employee must demonstrate proficiencies, and pass a skills test, in all basic systems utilized by the purchasing function. These include but are not limited to the company’s CMMS (SAP system), all Purchasing Policies and Procedures, comprehensive knowledge of major material and services suppliers, ISNetworld contractor management program; Process Safety Management, ISO, and Responsible Care Management compliance requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrates strong safety culture through personal behavior and commitment to environmental, health & safety.
• Participates in the PACE culture of safety.
• Review requisitions and inventory replacement reports, and confer with purchasing management regarding specifications, quantity and quality of material, and preferred vendors.
• Solicit and analyze quotations for low dollar supplies purchases (office supplies, lab supplies, motor pool, spare parts).
• Negotiate contract payment terms favorable to Westlake.
• Expedite and follow up to insure timely delivery of material.
• Purchase subscriptions and publications.
• Purchase all printed forms and maintain form library.
• Interview vendors and their representatives to select proper vendors for procurement of supplies.
• Examine and approve all invoices covering purchase orders placed by buyer.
• Assist department personnel to obtain proper specifications for material and supplies to be purchased.
• Enter all required data into SAP.
• Maintain Purchasing contact for complex on a 24‑hour basis with purchasing after‑hours duty.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 7 years of prior experience in the purchasing field; industrial facility experience is preferred.
• Excellent communications skills, verbal and written.
• Computer literate with good working knowledge of standard software applications (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and SAP experience preferred.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and infrequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must frequently make minor decisions requiring limited judgement, general decisions in the absence of specific directions, and perform activities requiring sustained concentration.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is sometimes moderate when working in an office, however, some of the work may be required in the operating units which mandates usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs. Travel may be required occasionally.

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.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.