Buyer - Kimball International, Salem, IN - Kimball International

High Level Statement of the Role:



Purchase materials at the lowest total cost consistent with considerations of quality, sourcing, delivery and urgency of need. Works under the direct supervision of Commodity Manager.



Roles and Responsibilities:


* Responsible for execution of MRP schedules, PO management, and inventory management. Ensure the timely acquisition of components in order to support the Manufacturing/Sales process.
* Evaluates strategic opportunities and defines and recommends opportunities for cost savings, service improvements, etc, in support of Commodity Manager efforts
* Supports vendor selection process including supplier capability and quality audits, financial risk assessments, logistical profile, and engineering support levels.
* Assesses supplier performance and provides data-supported input for a formal scorecard process.
* Works with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to drive improvement in the areas of material flow, supply options and actively involved in the support of new product development.
* Leads and directs Supplier Meetings as needed.
* Utilizes knowledge of Vendor Managed Inventory, Kanban, MRP, Returnable bin programs, and Pack Size reductions to develop strategic and tactical recommendations for inventory management.
* Understands the different transportation options and how they can be strategically used to decrease costs and improve service (rail truck, ocean freight, intermodal)
* Responsible for EC input in procurement fields and execution of supplier facing EC related processes
* Able to drive supplier performance improvement activities
* Communicate between customer service, manufacturing and support groups as needed
* Continually improve job knowledge and performance
* Utilizes concepts & practices of Lean Manufacturing (kanban, pull systems VSMs, level-loading, standard work, etc.)
* Owns maintenance and accuracy of system planning data as pertains to Purchasing processes
* Maintain necessary documentation.
* Maintains and orderly and organized works space.



Skills to Perform This Role:



Work/Educational Requirements


* 2 or 4 year degree in Business, Operations or related field preferred or a High School diploma and at minimum 4-6 years of Purchasing/Supply Chain experience in manufacturing support role



Technical Skills


* Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and business operating systems
* Advanced skills in PC usage. Ability to perform data analysis and use PC tools to effectively communicate.
* Knowledgeable in Purchasing and Manufacturing processes
* Understanding of and ability to implement material strategies, including Lean manufacturing, inventory management, kanban systems, VMI, cost reduction, etc.
* Ability to comprehend and follow job safety guidelines.



Interpersonal Skills


* Possess a high degree of integrity
* Flexible, tactful, assertive, patient
* Ability to build and sustain relationships
* Able to give balanced feedback
* Team oriented/able to work cross functionally
* Ability to work in a fast paced environment
* Customer centric focus
* Ability to be creative
* Able to work effectively with diverse groups
* Ability to keep humor in the workplace
* Positive attitude

Communication Skills


* Effective listener
* Effective written and verbal communications
* Ability to communicate complex issues
* Use of proper grammar
* Proper phone etiquette



Leadership Skills


* Able to make sound, fact based decisions weighing all aspects of a situation
* Strong organizational skills
* Self-managed and motivated
* Excellent problem solving skills
* Ability to adapt to change
* Desire to grow professionally and interpersonally
* Support KII Vision & Guiding Principles



Business Skills


* Good time management
* Strong Purchasing/Supply Chain skills
* Can handle multiple tasks
* Negotiation skills
* Prioritization and follow-through skills
* Awareness of financial and costing fundamentals

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled