Buyer

Position Summary

Procure materials for manufacturing and services in a timely manner at the best price and quality by establishing, negotiating, and maintaining cost-effective sources of supply through the application of professional purchasing principles and practices. Perform DBE administration duties on assigned projects.

Essential Functions

• Source and qualify suppliers according to quality, price and delivery specifications. Obtain quotes and negotiate terms and conditions for material and services required for TSD Propulsion, Controls and HVAC production and Rail Services.
• Monitor performance and capabilities of suppliers to ensure on-time of delivery, quality, and price commitments are met. Expedite orders and track late deliveries.
• Communicate as assure compliance with customer specific contract terms which are required to be passed down to vendors.
• Manage the current vendor/supplier base to provide forecast data, determine purchase orders, and establish delivery terms. Serve as liaison between vendors/suppliers and MEPPI to maximize and maintain vendor/supplier performance.
• Maintain records of supplier delivery performance. Analyze and report results. Provide feedback at least quarterly for Supplier Scorecard System.
• Travel to supplier locations to enhance relations, improve operations, and solve quality / delivery issues.
• Review requisitions and purchase orders for accuracy and conformance with established policies, procedures, and guidelines. Review computer-generated Purchase Orders to verify accuracy, delivery, and closing dates.
• Analyze specifications and market conditions to determine the best source for procurement for supplies and parts through domestic or international vendors and suppliers.
• Read technical diagrams to determine product specifications.
• Coordinate pre-shipment inspections and corrective action plans related to supplier's quality issues in support of MELCO and MEPPI Quality Departments.
• Negotiate returns on defective material (NCRs).
• Coordinate transportation for material returns.
• Perform DBE and/or Buy America or State Sourcing and US Steel administration, and tracking on assigned projects, which shall include;
  • Monitor TSD's performance against the goals set forth in customer contracts
  • Complete monthly tracking reports for submittal to customers
  • Visit DBE suppliers and evaluate them as potential suppliers
  • Monitor and assist major subcontractors' with their vendor requirement programs
  • Develop plans to make up any shortfall and present to management for review and approval
  • Support Program Management as required on vendor requirements issues
• Support and make recommendations to improve Company policies and procedures.
• Support and assist the Department Leads and Supplier Sourcing Manager as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or other related discipline, plus a minimum of 5 years’ experience in purchasing and/or materials coordination in a technical/industrial environment or equivalent education and experience.
• Transportation industry, transit HVAC, electrical and mechanical component procurement preferred.
• Developed verbal, written and negotiation skills.
• General knowledge of how to read and interpret contract terms and conditions
• Developed computer skills, emphasizing MS Office products and MRP/ERP systems.