Buyer/Planner

Position Purpose Purchasing professional executes the strategic purchasing activities for assigned commodities, projects, and new product development programs to support cost, quality, delivery and overall business objectives. Works cross-functionally to manage supplier related opportunities and threats. With guidance from purchasing leadership, the Buyer/Planner I develops and implements optimal supply chain solutions to support operational and program needs.

Essential Functions

• Supply Chain

• Material procurement and communication with assigned suppliers or commodities

• Assist in capacity planning including evaluating material stock levels, maintaining supplier capabilities to Hendrickson current and future demand

• Monitor supplier performance ensuring an uninterrupted supply of materials to production facilities through strategic management of the supply base

• Monitor and communicate performance metrics to suppliers on an on-going and regular basis.

• Manage ERP system, updating system inputs for each responsible component

• Commercial

• Maintains pricing agreements for all assigned purchased material and resolves any invoice discrepancies in a timely manner

• Monitor and account for all fluctuations in purchase price variance (PPV) for assigned purchased material

• Maintains monthly data reporting as assigned.

• Technical Specifications

• Completes all purchasing tasks involved with the engineering change request process (e.g. RFQ, negotiation of costs and timing, supplier PPAP, etc.)

• Conduct Advanced Quality Planning (AQP) meetings between Hendrickson and responsible suppliers.

• Completes product deviations as necessary.

• Clearly documents relevant information about assigned parts and suppliers per department documentation guidelines

• Strategy Development

• Identifies and leverages opportunities by developing and managing contractual relationships as needed

• Tracks and communicates cross-functional programs, product changes, and cost savings initiatives to ensure alignment and visibility of supply chain impacts

• Foster multi-departmental relationship(s) between Hendrickson Vehicle Technology Group and key suppliers

• Monitor the marketplace for assigned commodities to identify trends, technology advancements, risk mitigation strategies, and cost-efficient alternatives

• Completes risk mitigation projects and other duties as assigned

Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in a business or engineering concentrated field is a plus.
• Professional designations or Certifications by recognized Purchasing organizations preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience in Purchasing or Materials
• Demonstrated negotiation success preferred
• Competence with Microsoft Office software required
• Familiar with and working experience in an IATF-16949 or other Quality regulated manufacturing environment preferred
• Planning and organizational skills with an ability to handle a multitude of projects
• Ability to travel as needed

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting and working at computer for extended periods of time.

Environmental Conditions

• Office setting.
• Minimal exposure to R&D lab and manufacturing setting.
• Occasional travel may be required

Behavioral Traits

• Strong skills in negotiating contracts, agreements, and terms and conditions
• Demonstrated interpersonal and relationships building skills
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• High energy level and strong self-motivation
• High standards of integrity required

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. , We offer a full complement of benefits that include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, travel, and disability insurance; a flexible spending account; 401K plans; a pension plan; paid holidays and vacation. We also offer financial assistance programs if you decide to adopt a child or want to pursue further education. We have a comprehensive wellness program and an Employee Assistance Program, that supports individuals in the proactive management of their overall health and wellness.