Buyer

Job Title: Buyer
Location: Vacaville, CA
Schedule: 5 days/week onsite in Vacaville
Duration: 6 Months with opportunities for extension

Job Description:
Proactively manage the performance of raw material suppliers, to ensure the Material Requirement Plan can be realized. Ensure relevant Procurement Master Data is available and maintained in SAP so the Material Requirements Plan (MRP) can be calculated reliably and the PO creation process can be as effective as possible. Support the category manager and strategic buyers to implement their supply strategies. Cooperate closely with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice queries.
Monitor & track supplier performance and feedback to strategic buyers and/or category managers
Support the implementation of supplier changes and other initiatives led by Central Category managers and Site Strategic Buyers
Collaborate with the broader procurement team to ensure all relevant material & vendor master data and outline agreements are available in SAP and are up to date
Manage all Level 2 vendor escalations, including but not limited to:
Expediting delivery confirmation dates that don’t meet our MRP and production needs
MRP driven delivery date “Push Out” or “Pull In”
Late or missing PO confirmations
Pricing Discrepancies
Delivery and Shipping related issues and inquiries
Manage Vendor performance, driving improvements on time delivery, quality conformance, and other compliance issues
Manage    and    resolve    Vendor    Returns    (RMA,    Cost    Recovery, Replacements)
Perform regular open order review meeting with Vendors
Manage AP Inquiries (Invoice issues, etc..)
Support internal cross-functional stakeholders to onboard and approve new raw materials and supplier
Lead competitive bid process (per applicable policy) and/or execute RFx market interventions
Lead supplier negotiations for low value contracts with supplier
Train new joiners and junior colleagues
Supervise more junior colleagues in the team
Perform other duties as assigned

Education:
Degree (preferred): Associates or Bachelor

Skills: 
Customer service mindset and ability to manage several priorities simultaneously
Positive attitude with a willingness to learn new skill sets
Working knowledge of general business practices
Experience and knowledge of both Operational Procurement and Purchasing of Direct (Raw Materials) (e.g. Purchase Requisition to Purchase Order Process)
Conducting competitive bid processes
Experience of managing suppliers and carrying out low value negotiations
Able to persuade and influence suppliers to achieve best outcome
Hands on experience of using SAP ERP in a purchasing/procurement role
Hands on experience of using Microsoft Office

Certifications:
Ideally APICS or equivalent MRP Planner certificate