1219 Operational Buyer

Job Summary:
Proactively manage raw material supplier performance and procurement master data to ensure reliable Material Requirements Planning (MRP) execution and effective PO creation. Support category managers and strategic buyers in implementing supply strategies, collaborate closely with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice queries, and drive supplier performance improvements to meet cost, schedule, quality, and compliance objectives.

Key Accountabilities:
Monitor and track supplier performance; report findings to strategic buyers and central category managers.
Support implementation of supplier changes and initiatives led by Central Category Managers and Site Strategic Buyers.
Ensure material and vendor master data, outline agreements, and procurement master data are complete and up to date in SAP.
Manage Level 2 vendor escalations, including expediting delivery confirmations, MRP-driven delivery changes (push-outs/pull-ins), late/missing PO confirmations, pricing discrepancies, and shipping/delivery issues.
Drive vendor performance improvements on on-time delivery, quality conformance, and compliance.
Manage and resolve vendor returns (RMA), cost recovery, and replacements.
Conduct regular open order review meetings with vendors.
Handle AP inquiries related to invoices and support timely resolution.
Support cross-functional stakeholders to onboard and approve new raw materials and suppliers.
Lead competitive bid processes and execute RFx market interventions per policy.
Lead supplier negotiations for low-value contracts.
Train and supervise new joiners and more junior colleagues; provide coaching as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Stakeholders:
MRP Planner, P2P Enablement Specialist, Supply Planner, Scheduler
Strategic Buyers (Direct) & Central Category Managers (Direct)
Accounts Payable, Warehouse Manager

Supervision Received:
Supervision: Performs a variety of routine work within established policies and procedures and receives detailed instructions on new projects and assignments.

Education & Certifications:
Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Procurement, or Supply Chain.
Certifications preferred: APICS or equivalent MRP planner certificate.

Languages:
Required: English (Native level).
Preferred: Additional language(s) depending on geography (business fluent).

Experience:
Raw material purchasing: Entry level acceptable (0–4 years).
SAP Material Management: Intermediate experience preferred (5–8 years).
Experience in operational procurement (purchase requisition to PO) and direct/raw materials purchasing required.
Experience conducting competitive bids, managing suppliers, and executing low-value negotiations preferred.

Competencies & Behaviors (Core Competencies):
Agility: Willingness to take on new challenges and adapt behavior to change.
Business Acumen: Uses business-area knowledge to make timely, accurate decisions.
Collaboration: Active contributor to team and cross-functional efforts.
Customer Focus: Understands and delivers on internal/external customer needs.
Driving Results: Maintains quality standards while delivering results.
Leadership: Contributes to a positive work environment; dependable team member.

Skills & Technical Requirements:
Strong customer-service mindset and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Working knowledge of general business practices.
Hands-on experience with SAP ERP in a purchasing/procurement role.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Ability to persuade and influence suppliers to achieve best outcomes.
Experience with competitive bidding and low-value supplier negotiations.
Ideally APICS or equivalent MRP Planner certification.

Quality, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities:
Adherence to cGMPs is required at all times during the manufacture of APIs. All personnel must promptly notify management of regulatory inspections, serious GMP deficiencies, product defects, and related actions.
Must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety, and report accidents/injuries.
Normal working environment: office setting.

Physical & Mental Demands (US-specific essential functions):
Physical: Office/admin duties with occasional physical activities. Tasks may include bending, kneeling, walking, sitting, reaching, standing, fine motor tasks, gowning, climbing stairs, and driving. Lifting up to 50 lbs may be required on occasion.
Mental: Must work effectively in a fast-paced, high-workload environment; manage multiple projects to on-time closure; read and follow SOPs; work independently and as part of a team; identify and communicate non-routine events and risks; support mentoring and training of team members; and demonstrate strong verbal and written communication.

The hiring rate for this position is $30.00 to $35.64/per hour. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity, and may also vary depending on candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience amongst other factors.

Harvest Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, Sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.