Job Description:

Mueller’s manufacturing commitment ensures one of the world’s most precious resources, clean drinking water, reaches millions of people daily.  Come be a part of something that sustains and enriches the lives of every human being.  As a Senior Materials Buyer, you will act as the liaison between the operation and the supply market performing critical functions managing the supply chain. You will work daily with supply chain, strategic sourcing, and manufacturing to support lean inventory and procurement strategies for purchased material. The professional in this position will be a critical component in building the Mueller capabilities at the Kimball facility. This is a unique opportunity to build the operation through the implementation of systems, processes, and supply relationships.

Primary Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the department Buyers to gather parts information to support the weekly SIOP meetingsResponsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies from suppliers.Evaluates supplier quotes and services to determine most desirable suppliers.Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to source materials that meet technical and regulatory requirements.Maintain day-to-day communication with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery, system data integrity, and ordering parameters for individual materials.Partner closely with production planning team to align purchasing with demand forecasts.Partner with finance team to manage purchase orders, invoicing, and budget tracking.Support and champion continuous improvement initiatives related to supply chain and procurement processesEnsure on-time deliveries, while maximizing turns, and minimizing carrying costs.Understands and clearly demonstrates fluency in commercial components of supplier agreements.Experience and knowledge managing both domestic and overseas suppliers. Clear understanding of long lead times while forecasting and anticipating production needs and capabilities. Work closely with planners and analysts in developing and reviewing stock replenishment strategy. Operate with a sense of urgency, and distribute time sensitive and accurate dataIdentify roadblocks in material/information flow; ability to manage exceptions. Completes tasks of materials planner as needed by the Materials Manager

Required Skills:

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Able to communicate at various levels within the organizationAbility to effectively work in a team. Knowing role on team, based on project/task with a wide degree of creativity and latitudeDemonstrated ability to successfully achieve goals through influenceAbility to adapt to system/technology changes as well as use of current systemsStrong organizational skillsPossess ability to follow and challenge Standard Work processes dailyDemonstrated Risk Awareness and MitigationSkilled in Make vs. Buy analysis.Financial acumen (i.e. understanding lot size, inventory vs. set-up costs, AP)Exposure to LEAN methodology and LEAN manufacturing environment.Exposure to logistics, warehousing systems.Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.

Required Education/Experience:

BS/BA degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or technical field  - OR -  10-15 years relevant purchasing experience to be considered in lieuMinimum 4 years of Purchasing experienceExperience with contract reviews and negotiationsDemonstrated Intermediate to Advanced Excel and general Microsoft Suite skillsKnowledge and understanding of production processes and MRP systems essential

Preferred:

JDE E1 or similar ERP experienceAPICS CPIM certification

Travel Requirements:

Up to 5% Travel Requirement

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in stationary position or standing position for prolonged periods and alternate betweenAbility to repeat gross or fine manipulation that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingersAbility to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including, but not limited to, safety glasses, steel-toed or metatarsal-guarded shoes, and/or ear plugs, while working in an industrial and/or manufacturing environment. Ability to constantly communicate with others to exchange information in person, via phone, or via use of computer.Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects up to 25 pounds in weight in all directionsAbility to occasionally reach overhead or at or below shoulder levelAbility to occasionally stoop, crouch, or kneel

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected by law.