Sr Associate Buyer

Under limited supervision, the Sr Associate Buyer is responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating pricing and terms, and managing purchase orders, contracts, and blanket orders. This role supports the acquisition of commodities, supplies, and services essential to manufacturing operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and cGMP standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate suppliers and contractors for goods and services.
• Negotiate, place, and expedite MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) orders.
• Process purchase requisitions for contract services, capital equipment, RO’s, and inventory materials.
• Generate purchase contracts and blanket orders in alignment with company procedures.
• Maintain data integrity within the JDE purchasing system.
• Support implementation of new systems (e.g., JDE upgrades, EDI, Corporate Purchasing Cards).
• Participate in supplier partnership programs and cost-saving initiatives.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering to define specifications for new equipment and materials.
• Resolve purchase order discrepancies impacting Receiving and Finance.
• Monitor and coordinate returns and expedite delayed orders.
• Assist in supplier audits and maintain purchasing documentation to cGMP standards.
• Serve as backup to the MRO Category Manager when needed.
• Attend cross-functional meetings including Operations, Procurement, and Logistics.

Core Competencies

• Fully bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Computer literate with proficiency in procurement systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and solve problems creatively.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to compliance and documentation standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s AND 6 months years of directly related work experience OR
• Associate’s AND 2 years years of directly related work experience OR
• High school/GED AND 4 years of directly related work experience OR

Preferred Qualifications

• SAP experience, including requisition-to-PO conversion and reporting.
• Experience in raw materials planning and supplier communication.
• Familiarity with Rapid Response (nice to have).
• Strong negotiation and escalation management skills.
• Experience resolving PO delivery issues, quantity discrepancies, and missing documentation (e.g., COA, packing lists).
• Knowledge of Smartsheet or other reporting tools for procurement metrics.
• Proven ability to participate in cross-functional projects.

Benefits

• 1- year contract with possible extension.