Senior Buyer

We are BEKUM America Corporation, the world’s leading designer and builder of extrusion blow molding machines. We are proud of our legacy, our accomplishments and our worldwide reputation for excellence and innovation. We recognize that our employees are key to our success and we believe in mentoring, tutoring and further developing our employees. We know PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

This position is responsible for purchasing cost effective commodities, services and materials to assure uninterrupted production and efficient customer service through vendor negotiations, market research and accurate record keeping. The position supervises and coordinates purchasing activities of buyers and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the company’s policies and applicable laws.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Identifies products or services to be purchased through provided requisitions or direct contact with all other departments.

Negotiates prices to assure most cost-effective products and services are being purchased, as well as shipping methods used to receive purchases.

Controls expenditures within authorized limits.

Establishes and maintains good working relationships with various outside vendors and sub-contractors.

Develops and maintains reliable alternate sources for supplies and services as appropriate.

Determines American product lines that are comparable to German products used.

Places orders with vendors or outside contractors, confirms order receipts, arranges shipping methods, and tracks and expedites orders to ensure timely receipt.

Documents all items ordered and all failed products returned, through Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) and other database systems.

Investigates failed items to determine effective resolutions through vendor feedback as well as inputs from internal departments.

Brainstorms with other departments to determine what internal process services could be outsource in future and establishes sources for these services, as well as forecasts future purchasing needs.

Stays on top of industry sources through ongoing market research.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

As assigned by the Purchasing Manager supervises buyers in the Purchasing Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Company’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Performs other duties as assigned/required.

Bachelor's degree (BA) in Supply Chain (or related discipline) from four (4) year college or university; and six (6) years to ten (10) years related experience i and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience, depending upon the mix.

Strong knowledge and understanding of ERP and MRP systems is required. Experience with the processes of manufacturing and accrual accounting, matching revenue and expenses and identifying and assigning costs and expenses to various accounts and/or projects. Working knowledge of personal computers. Software proficiencies should include Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Adobe, and some ERP system knowledge. Responsible for performing all work efficiently and in compliance with quality, quantity, and safety standards as established by Bekum.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) preferred.

Willingness to pursue specialized certifications such as Fluid Power Society certification, or training to provide greater commodity knowledge.

REASONING ABILITY:

Analytical reasoning essential when dealing with vendors and the negotiation process.

Bekum America Corporation offers a total compensation package that emphasizes the health and wellbeing of our diverse workforce, and encourages work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits suite aligns with our belief that people are at the center of our success and should be valued as such.

Bekum America offers full medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability, tuition assistance, paid holidays, competitive vacation package, 401 (K) with company match and profit sharing, increases tied to performance, and a path for continued training and development.

Bekum America Corporation reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities, and position titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.