Associate Buyer Electronic Components - Superior Quality Manufacturing

Superior Quality Manufacturing LLC (SQM) is a manufacturing subsidiary of INIT Innovations in Transportation, Inc., an established and industry-leading group developing advanced fleet management systems for public transit.

Job Responsibilities:

• Stay updated on market trends, pricing variations, and industry practices to implement strategic procurement decisions.
• Identify, select and manage suppliers based on performance, cost, quality, and delivery considerations.
• Implement benchmarks to assist in measuring the quality and performance of products, services and processes.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing and terms with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable conditions aligning with SQM’s objectives, and optimization of procurement conditions.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Process orders, monitor delivery dates and orders to ensure products and services meet the required standards, perform follow-ups, and maintain records.
• Reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
• Resolve any issues and disputes regarding delivery, price discrepancies, quality or other concerns.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, documents and master data maintenance.
• Ensure proper documentation, record keeping, filing of purchase orders, invoices, and other related documents.
• Material costing and price structure analysis.
• Customs, imports (in cooperation with the Foreign Trade Commissioner), Incoterms.

Experience and Skills:

• Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement or related field of study required OR relevant experience which would fulfill the required knowledge, skills and successful performance of the job.
• 2-5 years’ purchasing experience in the electronics components field required.
• Expertise with MS Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and an aptitude for learning new software and systems.
• Knowledge of the material field of electronics and mechanics.
• Ability to communicate confidently and effectively. 
• Flexible team player who is willing to adapt to change. 
• Proven analytical ability.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, including ability to prioritize multiple requests.
• Strong conflict resolution skills to address and resolve issues with suppliers and vendors.
• Excellent decision-making, critical thinking and negotiation skills.
• ERP software knowledge preferred.
• Knowledge of German is a plus.

Work location: This position is based out of our North American headquarters in Chesapeake, Virginia.

About INIT:

INIT provides sophisticated Intelligent Transportation Systems for Public Transit Authorities, including Fleet Management, Real-time Passenger Information and Fare Collection Solutions. INIT employs over 1,000 staff members around the world with a strong focus on IT and engineering.

The key to INIT’s success is our committed team of employees. We view our staff as the main source of potential to deliver our competitive edge. A position with INIT offers you not only challenging tasks, but also the opportunity to rapidly develop personal and professional skills with a successful and constantly growing international company. INIT has been ranked as the #1 small company in Inside Business’ list of Best Places to Work for 4 years running and are now members of their “hall of fame.” 

Benefits:

SQM offers challenging tasks and responsibilities in a successful team with a pleasant working atmosphere and the opportunity for personal and professional growth. We offer a generous vacation package and sick leave, community service day, holidays, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401K and employer matching.

To learn more, please visit our website at initusa.com.

SQM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER