Senior Buyer Department Operations Location Harrisburg, NC Job Summary The Senior Buyer is responsible for the planning, purchasing, and managing of assigned goods in support of all production and distribution activity. This position will manage relationships with suppliers as well as performance monitoring to ensure on time delivery at competitive pricing while managing inventory levels to prevent shortages and maximize turns. The Senior buyer will also manage communications with customer support for delivery timelines and lead times. In addition, the Senior Buyer will mentor/onboard team members in procurement. Essential Job Functions Source and purchase assigned products, ensuring proper documentation, internal (ERP or manual purchase requisitions, approvals) and external (specifications, drawings) are provided to suppliers. Ensure product meets required specifications including but not limited to BAA/TAA government compliance. Proactively minimize impact of material shortages (due to suppliers or otherwise) by sourcing for alternative suppliers or components that may be a fit substitution for the items in backorder. Coordinate with receiving, quality and accounts payable on resolving all issues regarding purchase orders and delivery discrepancies or deviations. Function as an SME within Microsoft Dynamics 365 and any other support system that may be in use. Review, edit and draft procedures, scripts, and other reference materials, fundamental to driving Continuous Improvement and training of others. Utilize Microsoft Dynamics 365 reports to ensure adequate inventory of purchase materials is maintained to meet manufacturing and/or distribution requirements. Including the assessment, set-up, and maintenance of the item master attributes such as Safety Stocks, re-order points, lead times and supplier information. Purchase order maintenance in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 system, as an accurate communication (internally and externally) of updated dates for latest delivery and availability of goods. Build strong relationships with suppliers, develop, and implement negotiation strategies to deliver cost savings and reduced lead times. Manage suppliers to ensure performance metrics are being met within quality, delivery, and cost guidelines of the business, as well as manage risks associated to the Supplier base and maintain a current Approved Vendor List. Direct and lead the buying team in payment schedules, process development and delivery schedules. Able and willing to work necessary hours to meet all project deadlines, travel when necessary. Develop mutually beneficial, respectful, and effective relationships with peers to ensure seamless coordination between departments, maximize synergy, and maintain a shared vision, strategy, and focus. Requirements Qualifications B.S. degree and/or equivalent work experience. Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment. Experience researching data whether in ERP system or on internet. Working knowledge of MRP systems. In-depth understanding of MRP concepts including bills of material. Must be “hands on” with strong problem-solving acumen. Strong analytical skills with attention to details. Required to have an extensive working knowledge of PC functions and Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Competencies Demonstrates ownership and accountability; the ability to plan, execute, control, and deliver; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; lead and influence others effectively; independently define problems, collect data, establish facts, and solve problems; develop priorities and adjust work plans to meet deadlines; motivate a team for excellence and consistency in performance and outputs. Physical Requirements Performing the duties of this job regularly involves sitting, standing, walking, hearing/listening, grasping, and reaching. Vision requirements include the ability for close vision, to adjust focus, to color code. Mental Requirements This position requires the ability to maintain an appropriate work pace; to comprehend and follow instructions; to read, count and compute; to exercise logic and reasoning; to organize and prioritize; to problem solve; to make decisions; to analyze and interpret data; to multi-task/re-direct and experience numerous interruptions. Other Requirements: Ability to travel up to <10% of the time as needed, domestically and internationally.