Purchasing Agent – International and Domestic

Department: Operations Job Status: Full-time FLSA Status: Exempt Travel Required: Limited Work Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Positions Supervised: None Reports To: Purcashing Manager General Description This position is responsible for creating and developing international and domestic sourcing strategies and supplier management practices that provide a competitive advantage and improve the total cost of ownership, on-time deliveries of procured materials and services, and related systems capabilities. Performance of this position involves an emphasis on improving internal controls, standardizing vendor negotiations and contracts, and improving financial discipline. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills to provide structure and standardization around purchasing decisions, deep technical knowledge, and experience building a process-driven purchasing environment. Principle Responsibilities Establish and maintain professional business relationships with international and domestic suppliers to ensure that MDI is receiving the best pricing, timely delivery of goods, quality products, and supplier accountability. Lead the selection, evaluation, and management of all material and service suppliers; ensure there is a consistent evaluation and selection process for all suppliers, ensuring supplier qualification standards remain appropriate. Manage supplier performance to contractual commitments. Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions with suppliers, managing supplier contracts, quotes, approvals, purchase orders, and communicating lead times for material requirements to assist Production Planners and Project Leaders in scheduling orders. Develop processes for analyzing shipment-related issues; work with suppliers to analyze and fix root causes of shortages and defects in materials and services and eliminate fulfillment failures. Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of correct materials, in order to meet production schedules. Drive inventory reduction using lean principles, internally and externally. Lead continuous improvement of material flow and cycle time through lean manufacturing systems internally and with external suppliers. Determine minimal buy quantities based on projected use and storage capacity; maintain appropriate inventory levels, taking into consideration demand, resupply, delivery lead time, storage capacities, shelf life and cost. Lead / participate in cost reduction and process improvement initiatives. Maintain and improve procurement processes, documenting an effective purchasing process with procedures, with emphasis on efficiency, internal controls, and transparent communication. Work closely with other departments (i.e., Manufacturing, Shipping, Accounts Payable, and Finance) to improve process and communication among groups. Benchmark industry standards and best practices (i.e., attend trade shows and review trade magazines) and carry out competitive analysis for existing and newly required materials and services. Research and evaluate industry trends of competitors and alternate suppliers to incorporate into MDI purchasing processes. Uphold the Company Core Values of maintaining the highest of business ethics. Be an effective team player. Work cross-functionally with all MDI departments to ensure purchases are consistent with customer specifications. Provide backup to other Buyers in the department in their absence. Maintain a clean and safe work area and participate in the Company’s commitment to create “safety awareness” in the workplace, maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. All other duties as assigned by management. Qualifications Experience with international and domestic sourcing and the ability to establish reliable suppliers. Strong working knowledge of procurement processes, procedures, sourcing strategies, and best practices. Demonstrated ability to negotiate highly competitive pricing and supplier contracts with a broad arra…

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