Airswift is seeking a Sr Buyer for a long-term contract position with their top chemical manufacturing client in the Lake Charles, LA area. 

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for purchasing supplies and services in accordance with Purchasing Department policies and procedures. This position, as required, may be tasked with managing supply contracts. As needed, this position will confer with Purchasing management regarding specifications, quantity and quality of material and preferred vendors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Manages the flow, recording, and processing of purchasing documents including capital projects. Controls and manages the purchasing activity with external suppliers.

· Negotiates purchases to the most economical advantage to the Company.

· Leverage yearly purchases to achieve lowest total cost by establishing yearly or multi-year Contracts for the purchase of goods and services through the identification of repeatable purchases, potential supply base and an appropriate sourcing strategy.

· Prepares, submits for quotes, and purchases requisitioned materials and equipment following evaluation.

· Purchases materials and services for the Plants in a manner which assures that the most economical advantage to the Company has been attained.

· Prepares bid comparisons from quotations, written and verbal, based on evaluation derived from vendor's bids.

· Expedites orders that are critical to the operation of the Plants and those orders that are behind schedule.

· Prepares and maintains preferred Vendor database based on previous cost, quality of service, reliability and types of goods and materials.

· Assists and researches logistical information in specific areas relating to all Plant departments.

· Assists Accounting in resolving purchase/billing discrepancies; warehouse stores and other departments in expediting, scheduling, contracts, and specifications.

· Assures that purchase requisitions have had the proper D.O.A. approval levels applied and that the purchasing department complies with external guidelines, such as SOX and Frank-Dodd.

· Contacts vendors, contractors, and engineering firms to obtain quotes, delivery schedules, and terms of payment. When appropriate, negotiates discounts, delivery schedules and terms.

· Recognizes market trends and capitalizes on advantageous buying situations.

· Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the Company’s ERP tools.

· Trains, monitors, mentors, and assists team members in performance of their duties.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s Degree Highly Preferred

· Minimum of 5 years of prior experience in the purchasing field; industrial facility experience is preferred. 

· Excellent communications skills, verbal and written.

· Computer literate with good working knowledge of standard software applications (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and SAP experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and infrequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,

distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must frequently make minor decisions requiring limited judgement, general decisions in the absence of specific directions, and perform activities requiring sustained concentration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is sometimes moderate when working in an office, however, some of the work may be required in the operating units which mandates usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs. Travel may be required occasionally.