Buyer I

Summary/Position Objectives:
Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for the acquisition of goods, services, equipment and furniture within established policies and procedures. It carries reasonable latitude for independent decisions based on experience, protocol and business requirements. This position also has extended requirements in many other departmental areas including but not limited to: customer relations, data management and reporting. The position is an extension of the departmental team relative to processes and services for customers. The incumbent is responsible for: 1) managing the entire office supply program for all plans and SAI locations 2) establishing furniture quality standards for all vendors 3) monitoring and ordering a variety of commodities; including subscriptions/publications, telecommunication equipment, promotional items, and furniture. The incumbent is also tasked to assure the department functions as a cohesive and professional and interactive unit.

Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:
Ensures that all goods, equipment, services and furniture are provided in the correct quantities, obtained at the best overall value and in the timeliest manner in accordance with industry standards and business policies
Monitors and perceptively communicates related space or facility management issues related to furniture orders
Establishes and communicates furniture requirements and quality standards company-wide
Manages furniture inventory levels
Assists customers in cost effective solutions for all commodities and services
Manages the office supply program for all plans and SAI locations, inclusive of daily order releases and monitoring signature authority levels
Reviews vendor capabilities and prices on an on-going basis securing the most favorable price and delivery schedules available
Negotiates new items to be added to the web based ordering system for office supplies
Manages effective vendor programs, to include web based ordering for office supplies and publications/subscriptions for employees
Manages backorder list for office supplies & furniture for higher efficiency on lead-times
Coordinates ergonomic issues to assist customers in best possible solution by working with departments and vendors
Interacts effectively with related departments, employees, managers and/or vendors throughout the organization
Provides business support to operations to meet corporate objectives
Researches information on requests from employees on non-traditional items
Assists in writing and analyzing RFP’s, additionally making recommendations
Recommends process improvements as they relate to acquisition cycle, including recommendations for process and system changes
Coordinates various services, including offsite meetings, events and travel expenses for employees
Monitors related financial budgets and costs and reports appropriately; assures management reporting is timely with accurate summarization of all relevant facts within areas of responsibility or assignment
Manages effective processes within assigned areas: obtain quotes, expedite/process requisitions, track purchase orders and overview receipt detail
Participates, as needed, on various cross-functional project teams
Assures data management, recorded information, etc. are organized/recoverable and at all times ready for internal or external audit

Secondary Functions:
Provides back up and support to all other areas and positions within the department.
Assists with projects, activities, and/or special assignments.
Works in a manner that is not disruptive to peers, supervisors and/or subordinates.
Maintains regular and acceptable attendance at such level as is determined in the employer’s sole discretion.
Maintains availability and willingness to work such days and hours as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.
Maintains availability and willingness to travel to such locations and with such frequency as the employer determines is necessary or desirable to meet its business needs (if travel required).
REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge and Skills:
Thorough knowledge of furniture industry; quality, pricing, lead-times and terms needed to assist customers
Current knowledge and skills within field to current industry standard
Computer knowledgeable with skills and abilities across all software programs normally used in purchasing
Basic contracting knowledge with an understanding of commonly used language and processes
Effective analytical and spreadsheet skills
Effective negotiating skills
Effective customer service, problem solving skills and abilities
Effective oral and written communication skills
Effective social (interactive skills)
Ability to manage several active projects concurrently

Education and Work Experience:
Minimum of 1 year of directly related purchasing experience
Bachelor’s degree in purchasing, supply chain management or related degree; or minimum of 5 years’ directly related experience.

Affiliations/Certifications Preferred:
Affiliation with the ISM (NAPM)
Certification as Accredited Purchasing Professional (A.P.P.) - preferred

Work Environment Qualifications:
Position is an office environment. Incumbent may be required to sit for extended periods, entering and manipulating data on a workstation computer and participating in team/executive meetings. Approximately 75% of daily responsibilities will be working both one-on-one and in teams with other personnel and extended one-on-one contact in a quiet environment where hearing and listening is paramount. Occasional requirements are to: stand, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, and lift/move up to 25 pounds. Incumbent may be scheduled to work an alternate schedule to accommodate essential business needs.