Title: Buyer

The Buyer shall be under the supervision of the Purchasing Supervisor to ensure timely and cost-effective purchasing. The Buyer needs to work directly with the Purchasing Supervisor to ensure they are focused on accuracy, efficiency, profitability, quality, and reducing our supply chain risk, as well as working closely with the Quality Department to manage suppliers and ensure that purchased products and services meet quality standards. The duties shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in the correct amounts.
2. With guidance from supervisor, prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services. Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.
3. With guidance from supervisor, research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier’s reputation and history with a focus on competitiveness of vendors, as well as focusing on strategic partnerships with suppliers.
4. Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
5. Monitor shipments to ensure that the goods come in on time, and in the event of problems trace shipments and follow up on undelivered goods.
6. With guidance from supervisor, confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action plan.
7. Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and determine the need for changes.
8. Maintain and review computerized or manual records of items purchased, lead-time, costs, delivery, product performance, and inventories.
9. Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and internet sites, and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services.
10. May be required to interact and visit both customers and suppliers worldwide.
11. Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods and services being purchased.
12. Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or future markets.
13. Perform other duties as assigned by Purchasing Supervisor.