Job Description:
The Buyer independently owns material sourcing and scheduling decisions within defined plant and business parameters, exercising professional judgment to balance cost, supply risk, and production continuity. The role is accountable for outcomes related to supplier performance, inventory health, and service levels, escalating only when decisions exceed defined authority limits. This role works closely with multiple departments to ensure materials are in a timely manner and according to specifications. This position functions independently in a multi-task environment, as well as part of a team. Additionally, the technician works in an office and manufacturing environment with moderate noise levels and typical manufacturing conditions.
Key Responsibilities:- Material Sourcing
- Independently sources assigned strategic and non-strategic commodities in alignment with plant requirements, cost objectives, and supply continuity needs
- Exercises independent judgment in evaluating supplier quotations based on total cost of ownership (price, logistics, quality, delivery reliability, and risk)
- Leads day-to-day commercial negotiations, including pricing, terms, and Letters of Intent (LOIs), within defined authority limits
- Owns sourcing decisions and outcomes for assigned commodities, including cost performance and supplier selection rationale
- Monitors market conditions, material availability, and supplier capacity trends to proactively adjust sourcing strategies
- Determines appropriate actions to mitigate supply risk, including alternate sourcing, expediting, or escalation when required
- Owns the process for disposition decisions for excess and obsolete materials, balancing financial impact and operational needs
- ProjectsServes as the materials lead or owner for assigned projects, representing Plant Materials Management on cross-functional teams
- Defines materials-related project scope, priorities, timelines, and deliverables within assigned responsibility
- Analyzes project requirements and determines sourcing, scheduling, and supplier actions needed to support project objectives
- Accountable for delivery of materials-related project outcomes, including cost, timing, and supply readiness
- Summarizes project activities, risks, decisions, and results for stakeholders and management
- Identifies issues requiring cross-functional resolution and escalates when decisions exceed defined authority
- Material Scheduling
- Owns short-term material planning and scheduling decisions to ensure uninterrupted production and efficient inventory utilization
- Maintains and governs accuracy of critical ERP data (lead times, safety stock, pricing, vendor parameters) for assigned materials
- Determines purchasing, scheduling, and expediting actions based on production demand, inventory levels, and supply constraints
- Independently prioritizes competing material requirements and resolves conflicts impacting production schedules
- Analyzes inventory trends and production forecasts to adjust ordering strategies and mitigate excess or shortage risk
- Decides when delivery dates, order quantities, or sourcing approaches require modification to support operational goals
- Supplier Involvement
- Owns day-to-day supplier performance management for assigned suppliers, including delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost
- Provides suppliers with forecasts and planning signals to support capacity alignment and supply continuity
- Evaluates supplier performance metrics and determines corrective actions required to address gaps
- Leads supplier issue resolution efforts, including delivery disruptions, quality concerns, or commercial disputes
- Coordinates supplier activity across plants and departments to ensure alignment and consistency
- Determines when supplier performance issues require escalation to management or cross-functional review
- Plant Support
- Acts as a subject-matter resource for materials planning, sourcing, and supplier decisions impacting plant operations
- Provides guidance and direction to plant personnel on materials processes, requirements, and issue resolution
- Influences how materials-related work is executed by sharing best practices and process improvements
- Supports and mentors less experienced purchasing or materials staff through knowledge sharing and problem-solving support
- Addresses plant-level materials issues independently and determines when escalation is required
- Training & Support
- Bachelor's degree
- Train employees in plans, policies and procedures as needed
Assist and provide back-up coverage duties of the Materials Manager during vacation or other periods of absenteeism.
Coordination & Communication
Interacts with engineering, shipping and production personnel to ensure products, components, parts, and material adhere to HPS purchasing standards
Keep management informed of job-related problems and other information related to work activity.
Participate in other purchasing department activities including internal audits and compliance.
General & Safety Responsibilities:- Maintain work area in a neat and orderly condition.
- Works safely and comply with all established safety rules and work practices.
- Complies with company, department, and quality policies and procedures as applicable.
- Maintain a positive work attitude and promote a “team” approach throughout the department.
- Perform other tasks as apparent or assigned.
- Do you qualify? We are seeking:
- Batchelor's degree in related field 5-7 years in Materials Management field (Purchasing or Production Planning)2 plus years of Lean experience.
- Must have the ability to use Microsoft Office products to update documents, forms, charts, graphs, and procedures.
- Proficient problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a friendly ability to work with others under stressful conditions.
- Good Housekeeping inline with 5S methodology
- Strong attention to detail
- Technical aptitude with willingness to learn and familiarity with HPS Micron products and production processes.
- Ability to read, write and speak English.
- Ability to read, interpret and update documents that contain technical data.
- Organization and planning skills, with emphasis on electronic records and retrieval.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Capable of prioritizing multiple projects and actions through to completion.
