Senior Buyer

Hydranautics is a part of the Nitto Group of companies and a global leader in the field of integrated membrane solutions which includes reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration for water, wastewater and process treatment and applications. Currently used on seven continents throughout the world for diverse applications such as seawater desalination, industrial high-purity water, surface water treatment, wastewater treatment and specialty process applications.

Here at Hydranautics, we believe that diversity is key to our competitive advantage. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, domestic partner status or medical condition. We are proud to be a Drug-free, E-Verify and EEO employer.

We are proud to offer a generous compensation and robust benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance plans, F.S.A. and H.S.A plans, Retirement plans (401k and ROTH), (12) Paid company holidays, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement and career development, Employee Assistance Plan, and more. This is an onsite position in our Oceanside, CA facility.

ob Summary:

Under strategic leadership, conduct high-level purchases and materials management for raw materials, equipment, supplies and services. Meet and exceed department KPI's including PPV, Inventory Metrics, Delivery to Production performance, and Supplier Evaluation reporting and required actions. Negotiates prices and terms with suppliers to obtain optimal purchase orders and/or contracts for key commodities as required by the organization in a timely manner. Ensure continuous improvement in cost, service, quality and working capital by partnering with key suppliers and internal functional groups. Drive cost reduction measures and seek creative solutions in achieving organizational profitability within the supply chain and materials management function.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and/or RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages the acquisition of raw materials, equipment, supplies, and services required by the company to conduct business, in the most cost effective and resourceful manner possible, assuring on time availability of quality materials and services. Working with Material Planner schedule of requirements, generate Purchase Orders utilizing optimal buy decisions and inventory management methods such as Vendor Managed Inventories and Blanket Orders.
• Evaluates pricing components and seeks creative solutions to achieve cost reduction measures with suppliers and vendors.
• Facilitates supplier management for assigned commodities and reviews, monitors and controls cost aspects of materials under area of responsibility. Negotiates favorable prices and terms with suppliers with the objective of obtaining the most cost-effective purchase terms and conditions.
• Resolves complex issues concerning price, terms or delivery dates while maintaining a good seller/buyer relationship.
• Certifies suppliers and materials in accordance with Procurement and Hydranautics policies and procedures working with internal resources and stakeholders. Analyses quotes and proposals from suppliers, selects a supplier according to company established criteria; and seeks consultation from internal groups to resolve any questions regarding environmental safety and product-specific criteria.
• Oversees the timely resolution of any supplier problems or product defects with regards to purchased goods with Quality and suppliers. Manages NCMR (non-conforming materials report)process from disposition through credit receipt and defective material return to vendor. Works with Supplier Quality Engineer to facilitate reporting by Supplier of containment, corrective action, and preventative action that thoroughly addresses the material defects. Coordinates meetings as needed for SQE and the Hyd Quality as needed.
• Attends regularly scheduled supplier audits, both on site and virtual, with SQE , PE, Quality, as needed. Conducts the SCM aspects of each audit. Works with members of audit team through report and findings corrections.
• Studies and interprets market and delivery conditions to determine present and future material availability; prepares analyses and related reports. Provides alternate materials and supplier opportunities to the organization Material Change Review team to facilitate risk mitigation in the supply base.
• Reviews and implements Material Planning requirements to implement replenishment of raw material and maintains accurate data within the JDE ERP database, including lead times, order policy, order quantities.
• Partners with planning, manufacturing, engineering, and product development for opportunities related to supply and quality of materials.
• Conducts Powerpoint Presentations to all levels of Management as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain Mgmt., Business Administration, Finance, or related field and 8 years' experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES:

1. Strong working knowledge of strategic procurement and materials management, production methods, supply chain management, DRP, MPS, CRP, MRP, negotiation techniques, legal aspects, and supplier management.

2. Ability to influence peers, staff and senior management with data interpretation, presentation skills and other means of communication.

3. Working ability to consider the relative costs, risks and benefits of potential actions and choose the most appropriate one to achieve company objectives.

4. Intermediate to advanced understanding of planning processes used in manufacturing environments.

5. Read and comprehend complex instructions, correspondence, and electronic communications. Write reports, and effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, vendors, and employees across a cross-functional matrix. Experience in analyzing contract terms and liabilities to mitigate risks.

6. Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook,and enterprise material planning software such as JD Edwards; basic working knowledge of Project Management using MS Project software. Skillset toward digitization of processes and data, inclusion of AI opportunities for market intelligence, trends and data collection.

7. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, high-level of accuracy and strong follow-through and follow-up.

8. Solid working experience building business relationships, negotiations, and developing SCM management strategies and systems, including understanding terms and conditions within contracts.

9. Ability to prioritize, resolve conflict and achieve results in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

10. Financial and Business acumen with knowledge of basic statistics and graphical analysis.

11. Mathematical accuracy and strong ability to prioritize multiple projects to meet hard deadlines.

12. Basic understanding of Total Quality Management and Lean Manufacturing concepts and approaches.

13. Commodity knowledge in the areas of plastic resins, chemicals, packaging and regulatory requirements of each.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and/or WORK ENVIRONMENT: (Typical physical demands and the work environment characteristics an employee must meet and encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Works in a typical office environment with prolonged periods in front a computer entering or researching data.
• Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel and talk or hear.
• Availability and willingness to travel if required as part of supplier management or if requested to visit or attend a business transaction as legal agent of the company.
• Must be able to work extended hours per the demands of the business.