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solarturbines

Sr Buyer

solarturbines, Houston, Texas, United States, 77001

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Senior Buyer

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do

but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here

we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Job Purpose This position is responsible for day-to-day and strategic supplier management including, but not limited to: purchase order placement, follow-up, issue resolution; communication of demand and forecasts; preparing contracts; negotiating contract terms; managing supplier relationships and performance metrics; facilitating communications; and mitigating risk that could impact Solar's ability to meet the business plan. Nature and Scope This position acts with a sense of urgency and is diligent in providing timely support to internal clients and external customers. This individual operates in compliance with corporate and Supply Chain policies and procedures. A Senior Buyer will manage relationships of non-strategic suppliers as well as critically strategic or complex suppliers. This position may be located centrally or in regional offices. This individual has no direct reports, but works within a team structure typically including a Sourcing Specialist, Supply Chain Coordinator/Planner, Supplier Technical Engineer, Supplier Development Engineer, and reports directly to a Site Sourcing Manager or Supply Chain Manager. There is an expectation to participate on or possibly lead projects that directly support organizational objectives. Primary Functions of the Job Include But Are Not Limited To: Supply Chain Management Contract Management Negotiation Supplier Selection & Management Cost Management Purchasing Execution The work environment is mostly office based, however this position may visit internal production areas as well as external supplier sites, which may involve domestic and/or international travel. Internal clients include, but not limited to, the following: Global Supply Chain, Finance, Global Enabling Systems, Logistics, Legal, Customer Services (Field Services, Overhaul & Repair, Service Parts), Manufacturing, Business Management, New Product Introduction & Design Engineering, Project Application Engineering, Test Engineering, Project Engineering, and external Suppliers. The primary challenges of this position include: Making sound decisions with the Business best interest in mind and knowing the impact decisions will have on organizational objectives. Improving and sustaining supplier performance with regards to Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Field Support (when required). Achieving business commercial objectives where minimal supplier leverage exists. Management of critical supplier contract development and execution. Concurrently managing multiple critical priorities. Building relationships inside and outside of the Global Supply Chain Organization; influencing, persuading, and collaborating with others in order to support business objectives. The decisions that are made by the Senior Buyer will be based on: Supply Chain Management, Site Sourcing Manager and/or Sourcing Specialist input or direction, our Values in Action, Worldwide Procedures, Solar Policies, Quality Management System, other process documentation, import/export compliance guidelines as well as adherence to State, Federal, and international regulations. Failure to achieve results, erroneous decisions or recommendations, could result in legal issues, production delays, impact to supplier relationships and/or the allocation of additional resources. This position could use all or any of the following tools: ERP software, Windchill, Cognos (or other analytical tool), MS Office Suite, Lotus Notes or Outlook, Sourcing Tools, Virtual Conferencing (WebEx / Skype), industry research tools and codes, cost analysis and make/buy decision tools, supplier financial health reporting (D&B, 10-k, 10-Q, etc), travel expense reporting tools. Principal Accountabilities Continuously practices and demonstrates Safety and acts in adherence to Our Values in Action. Effectively evaluates, improves, and sustains supplier performance, including but not limited to: Quality, Cost, Delivery, Lead-time, Bid & Proposal Turn-times, Project & Field Support, etc. Drives cost management through identifying opportunities for cost reduction, utilizes cost modeling techniques, and analyzing TCO to ensure the best overall value to Solar. Manages and maintains the supplier relationship at a day-to-day and strategic level. Day-to-day activities include purchase order issuance and maintenance, grief resolution, and business review meetings. Strategic activities include working with the Supply Chain Leadership and/or Sourcing Specialist to define the buyer-supplier relationship that determines as well as executes the strategic direction (Hold, Grow, Consolidate, Exit). Develops a network that allows the Senior Buyer to leverage internal and external relationships to continuously improve responsiveness & service levels. Assists in commercial negotiations with accountabilities for contract execution and maintenance (NDA's, GP's, PSAs, JDAs, etc). Initiates and promotes cross functional teaming in support of supplier development, problem resolution, and continuous improvement efforts. Supports NPI, global strategic sourcing, and supplier selection to ensure flexible capacity with consistent supply from qualified suppliers to support business objectives. Interpersonal and Analytical Skills Well-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues and reaching consensus on specific actions. Capability to influence or persuade suppliers and internal clients to effective solutions. Ability to collaborate in order to build constructive and inclusive business relationships. Demonstrates responsiveness and acts with a sense of urgency. Ability to coach, mentor, as well as provide and accept constructive criticism. Effective communicator in written and oral form. Dedicated to meeting or exceeding the expectations of internal clients and external customers. Ability to cope with change effectively and adjust to accommodate the unknown or unproven. Capable of setting priorities in order to support business requirements; can sense what will help or hinder achieving a goal, eliminates roadblocks, and creates focus. Holds self and others accountable to commitments in support of business objectives. Uses rigorous logic and methods for analyzing and solving difficult problems. Can unearth root cause to assess risk to the business and develop business continuation plans. Required Qualifications The position requires a Master's degree with 1-3 years of experience, a Bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of experience, or 5-7 years of equivalent experience. Experience with ERP software and proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Visio) Fluent in Business English in written and oral form. Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain or other related field. Supply Chain Certification from a professional institution (ie. APICS, IIPMR, ISCEA, ISM, etc) Understanding and demonstration of 6-Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles. 6-Sigma Blackbelt Certification Summary Pay Range: $87,456.00 - $131,184.00 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision benefits* Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* 401(k) savings plans* Health Savings Account (HSA)* Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* Health Lifestyle Programs* Employee Assistance Program* Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* Career Development* Incentive bonus* Disability benefits Life Insurance Parental leave Adoption benefits Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees