Direct Buyer 1

Job Summary:

Manage mass production part ordering and delivery through effective planning, communication, and supplier interface. Apply technical and problem-solving skills to prevent impact to operations and support achievement of department targets. Responsible for material procurement, ordering schedule, logistics tracking, on-time delivery of parts & materials, supplier process management and countermeasure implementation. All of which have significant impact on L-H Battery financial performance. This position plays a crucial role in the supply chain management of the company.

Responsibilities:

• Issue Purchase Orders (POs) for all projects unassisted; manage material run out plan and mitigate potential production shortfalls or overstock situations.
• Resolve conflicts that arise with supplier delivery schedules, raw materials, inventory, etc.
• Establish and maintain communication networks with supply base to promote a positive, long-term relationship focused on delivery performance (building relationships with suppliers).
• Continually develop communication networks (department internal and external) such as production control, manufacturing, safety, material management, and engineering to ensure operational success and departmental awareness.
• Propose new business processes, suggest process and system improvements; manage proposal introduction, execution and long-term implementation. Work closely with system development teams to specify, negotiate, and confirm system changes. Identify key stakeholders and include in development and confirmation.
• Understand and manage supplier material packaging, labeling procedures, shipping processes and material conditions from point of shipping to point of arrival.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance. Maintain reporting and conduct “Genba” activity both internally (plant/warehouse) and externally (supplier plant/warehouse/shipping waypoints) for root cause analysis and countermeasure implementation to solve complex problems.
• Maintain control of inventory by establishing and maintaining trigger points based on multiple criteria at multiple points in the supply chain.
• Support senior management in developing and implementing purchasing strategies.
• Research, identify, and recommend prospective new suppliers.
• Continuously strive for cost improvements (competition, localization etc.)

Education/Experience:

• 1-3+ years experience in a purchasing, planning or similar role (co-op or internship experience are qualifying)
• Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience
• Good time-management and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team with strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Negotiation skills and the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external parties.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to effectively sell ideas, securing buy-in from individuals or team

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of global supply chain or import/export activity.
• Knowledge of basic inventory management and manufacturing workflow.
• Ability to work on multiple issues and tasks and prioritize, plan, perform, and communicate activities, both in written and verbal form.
• Ability to negotiate based on logic, manage cost, manage supplier relationships, solve problems, manage special projects, and analyze drawings/BOM’s.
• Advanced knowledge of data management and analysis (for example, Excel VBA or Python)
• Knowledge of data visualization tools (such as Tableau or Power BI)
• Strong business and technical background.
• Multi-lingual (English/Korean) a plus