Buyer at Kuhn Krause, Inc.

EXPECTATIONSSuccessfully manage the assigned value stream purchase activities.Identify potential cost reduction opportunities and manage the approval process.Respond rapidly to production opportunities, delays, or non-conformance situations.Provide input in all areas of Kuhn for improvement.Monitor purchased inventory to assure on-time arrival and that inventories are optimized.Actively participate in Kuhn lean activities and team events. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.Communicate with vendors and internal customers to gather information, identify, and track problems, and recommend/implement solutions and preventative measures to be able to set up the right procurement method for efficient supply chain value stream management.Identify and manage cost reduction projects for material goods and services.Conduct transactions involved in the procurement of manufacturing materials, tools, supplies, services, etc. in accordance with approved requisitions and procedures.  Negotiate delivery costs while considering timing requirements.Maintain accurate data within system tools to ensure integrity of the AS400 and the Kuhn Production System.Use Kuhn Production System to accurately supply to customer demand and the production plan within appropriate lead time and time fence perimeters.Process and manage Engineering Change Requests (ECR) through Purchasing.Negotiate purchases within set limitations with respect to price, discounts, quality, quantity, date of delivery, etc.Maintain inventory to supply production demand.  Follow-up work on orders placed to ensure vendors’ compliance with terms of purchase.Maintain a vendor performance/procurement measurement program.Use lean supply chain concepts to do research and make recommendations for innovated ways to streamline material replenishment while ensuring proper volumes, conformance and on time delivery.Continually seek out and maintain knowledge of the product and materials used.Coordinate purchasing function with participating departments (accounting, manufacturing, traffic, engineering, PIC, sales and product support).  Maintain effective communications to ensure proper procurement.Participate in the Company’s team process to develop and improve purchasing processes and procedures. Continually strive to find improve and provide the best purchasing function in the industry.Maintain work area in a clean and orderly fashion and conform to all safety procedures.Process and manage supplier non conformance quality reports in a timely manner.Participate in company synergy programs with Kuhn in North America and Kuhn SA as required.Provide back up with departmental duties and responsibilities when needed. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience - A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration or a related field is preferred.  A minimum of four years of related buying experience and knowledge/experience with lean enterprise concepts, JIT and VMI programs is preferred. APICS or ISM certification is a plus.   Must be familiar with steel fabrication and the types of materials purchased by KNA and have a comprehensive knowledge of purchasing, production, and inventory procedures. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet, e-mail, and basic manufacturing software is preferred. Language Skills - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, blueprints, technical manuals/procedures, and vendor and engineering documentation.  Ability to write reports and business correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions, and solve problems with vendors and groups of employees at all levels in the organization. Mathematical Skills - Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as statistics and probability.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, ratios, percentages, and proportions to practical situations. Reasoning Ability – Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.  Ability to assume responsibility for the results of decisions made. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations – Requires a valid driver’s license issued in the state of the employee’s permanent residence.  APCIS or ISM certification is a plus. Skills/Abilities - Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computer and telephone/voice mail systems, fax machine, and copier.  Requires a comprehensive understanding of Company products.  Ability to work independently, and to organize and prioritize tasks to meet required deadlines.  Ability to use and generate basic reporting using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.