Buyer II

Knowledge Learning Corporation


Knowledge Learning Corporation is committed to enhancing the educational opportunities for children, families, and the dedicated professionals like you who serve them. Our professionals enjoy careers that are both challenging and rewarding.

The Buyer will support strategic sourcing processes for assigned materials, products, equipment, supplies and services to meet business requirements for the best total cost of ownership. May specialize in purchasing IT products or services, or furnishings and fixtures, or other areas that require specialized technical knowledge. Determines method of procurement, such as direct purchase or bid. Processes purchase requisitions, purchase change orders and requests for quotes to suppliers. Reviews bid proposals and negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority. Performs cost analysis and volume planning for major commodities (e.g. materials, components, equipment and services). Develops new supply sources where suppliers and suppliers are no longer competitive. May recommend cost saving proposals or alternative sourcing. Interacts closely with suppliers to resolve quality issues. Works with management to address all aspects of commodity management, including procurement support, commodity business plans, market trends assessment, pricing, and product availability.

Responsibilities:

  • Coordinates purchasing activities with departments to fulfill Purchase Orders in a cost effective and timely manner.
  • Confers with suppliers to obtain product or service information, such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.
  • Executes processes to purchase, receive, inspect, and pay for material and services on a timely basis and conforming to sound financial control practices and current procurement policies and processes.
  • Selects products for purchase by testing, observing, or examining items. May research and recommend new supplier and product opportunities to procure more cost effective and innovative products.
  • Resolves supplier performance and supply chain issues. Develops and implements contingency plans for unexpected supply interruptions.
  • Monitors supplier performance and compliance with the Master Purchase Agreement and Service Level Agreements.
  • Prepares reports, analyzes and interprets data as required, detailing product use, critical shortages, delivery delays, inventory summary data, supplier performance data, etc.
  • Responds to changes in market conditions concerning possible shortages, extended lead times, possible price increases, end of life cycles, increase in freight rates, etc.
  • Maintains manual or computerized procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.
  • Willing to travel.

Requirements:

  • Some college plus 5 or more years purchasing experience OR equivalent purchasing experience, in a multi-unit corporate procurement environment.
  • Bachelors Degree, preferably Finance or Business related strongly preferred (equivalent experience will be considered).
  • ISM or NCMA certification preferred
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Office and Outlook.
  • Experience with business enterprise software, preferably Oracle.
  • Fully Proficient in performing the duties and responsibilities of a Buyer Specialist I
  • Effective time management is crucial as well as excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Must be able to work well in environments that have changing priorities where short deadlines are often the norm.
  • Outstanding cross-functional skills in successful project management.
  • Strong negotiating skills. Ability to manage by influence.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to analyze electronic data to produce supporting documentation for business decisions. Financial skills are desired

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