Buyer/Planner

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Job description

This position will act as the liaison between the operation and the supply market performing critical functions managing the supply chain. The Buyer / Planner for the Kimball, TN facility will work daily with supply chain, strategic sourcing and manufacturing to support lean inventory and procurement strategies for purchased material. The main responsibility is ensuring all purchased materials, goods and services in support of the planned business needs and master production schedule. Also, responsible to support financial goals managing price, cost savings projects and supplier relationships.

The professional in this position will be a critical component in building the Mueller capabilities at the Kimball facility. This is a unique opportunity to build the operation through the implementation of systems, processes and supply relationships.

Essential Responsibilities:

* Responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies from suppliers.
* Evaluates supplier quotes and services to determine most desirable suppliers.
* Maintain day to day communication with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery, system data integrity, and ordering parameters for individual materials.
* Ensure on-time deliveries, while maximizing turns, and minimizing carrying costs.
* Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
* Performs a variety of complicated tasks. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
* Understand the dynamics of effective teamwork in order to attain higher levels of performance.
* Demonstrate a commitment to engage teams in other departments or divisions of the organization.
* Understands and clearly demonstrate fluency in commercial components of supplier agreements.
* Skilled in Make vs. Buy analysis.
* Ability to create and follow Standard Work processes on a daily basis.
* Adapt to system/technology changes as well as use of current systems.
* Financial acumen (i.e. understanding lot size, inventory vs. set-up costs)
* Operate with a sense of urgency, and distribute time sensitive and accurate data
* Strong time management and organizing skills.
* Identify roadblocks in material/information flow; ability to manage exceptions.

Required Experience:

* 4+ years of Purchasing experience.
* Supply Chain experience manufacturing environment.
* Experience with contract reviews and negotiations.

Required Skills:

* Solid organization and analytical skills.
* Effective verbal and written communications skills.
* Exposure to LEAN methodology and LEAN manufacturing environment.
* Enterprise-sourcing purchasing systems (ERP).
* Exposure to logistics, warehousing systems.
* Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
* Advanced computer skills and proficient with MS Office package.

Travel Responsibilities:

* 10% travel requirements.

Education Requirements:

* Minimum Bachelors' Degree, Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a combination of education + applicable experience

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sexual orientation, race, color, age, disability, religion, national origin, citizenship status and creed.