Buyer - Plumbing Americas

BASIC FUNCTION
Responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and/or services from suppliers. Prepares and evaluates supplier quotations and services to determine most competitive solution based upon a total cost of ownership. Experienced in a variety of purchasing concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Independently conducts multiple complex sourcing projects. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Take assignments for special purchases from concept to contract or recommend discontinuance based on sound analysis of fact. Assisting and/or leading in negotiations for product deemed necessary to support international development markets as required .Research, develop and maintain a matrix of cost impacts and purchase agreement contracts.Drive continuous improvement in the quality of product contracts. Research current contracts and outside sources for "best practice" articles to be incorporated into current and/or future negotiated contracts. Build a dialogue with Legal to establish rapport and encourage continuous improvement of our product contracts for both new and core product sourcing.Analyze trade reports, journals and periodicals regarding market trends and changes alerting appropriate personnel to potential or imminent problems/opportunities.Collaborate with Purchasing management and staff across all procurement organizations to develop and implement commodity programs and related procurement strategies.Manage a continuing cost reduction program and form/maintain relationship with strategic vendors. Maintain Kohler's inventories at minimal levels through an active supplier VMI program.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Business/Technology
Understanding of domestic and international Business Law with working knowledge of Intellectual Proerty. Internal Customer focused to anticpate needs. Ability to construct and manage complex, sophisticated arrangements, create uniqe T&Cs for legal review, and development pre-negotiation strategy. Capable of creating market/industry supply & demand models, build detailed supplier should cost models, and calculate TCO including non-monetary values. Proficient in managing/leading multi-location/global projects, with experience in multi-region supply chain agreements and using freight forwarder/customs clearance service
Provides solution/alternatives to improvement ideas. Knowledgeable of leading edge trends in market/industry, and takes initiative to undertake improvement opportunities that are global in scope and complexity; Sets spend level strategies for business unit. Skilled in identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities within the company and the supply base. General understanding of computer network technology & B2B applications. Demonstrate methods for streamlined supplier connectivity
Interpersonal
Demonstrated professionalism in communicating, with maintenance of critical documentation. Proactively identifies improvements and Supports/qualifies/sells ideas to management (e.g. pursues champion). Develops proficient market research. Development of cross functional relationships through active team roles and support, embracing diverse and global cultures.
Managerial
Leads single location projects and actively participates and supports professional development for both associates and department as a whole. Develops strategic plans and goals while understanding industry direction and influences that force change. Shares the vision both internally and externally.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business or Engineering. Minimum six years professional experience and two years purchasing experience. Previous SAP experience desirable.
REQUIREMENTS
See Above / gj-hh