Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans, schedules, releases, and manages purchase, interplant orders, and work orders as required
• Resolves material issues (shortages, emergency customer demands, etc.) by various departments and the supply chain to maintain the flow of materials to support the customer
• Directs supplier action by reviewing ERP, and utilizing the data in order to mitigate anticipated delays
• Quotes deliveries for sales requests
• Makes changes to supply based on the review, analysis, and the outcome of the monthly SIOP meeting
• Implements replenishment targets to support the "pull" system
• Participates in capacity review meetings with internal and external suppliers
• Actively works on reducing inventory/lead times, supporting production improvements, and efficiencies
• Ensures government compliance throughout the procurement process
• Manages/leads CI/lean projects focused on process improvements in addition to maintaining and analyzing planning parameters (i.e., lead times, lot sizes order quantities, safety stock)
• Mentors and trains level 1 Buyer/Planners as well as internal & external suppliers
• Resolves complex supplier situations
• Functions as a lead contributor able to influence and lead change
• Executes and manages Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
• Formulates Requests for Proposals/Request for Quotes based on COE Requirements, ensuring flow down of contractual requirements
• Manages the process and execution of the technical evaluation of proposals for best value decisions
• Selects and awards direct or indirect material purchase orders for assigned products; negotiates and institutes long-term pricing agreements as appropriate
• Performs cost/price analysis for competitive and non-competitive procurements; responsible for obtaining favorable price variances
• Develops and executes strategies for negotiation of purchase order terms: price, delivery, expedites, terminations, etc.
• Manages suppliers (post-award) with a strong focus on internal customer support (message management)

• Schedule:  8am-5pm
• Location:  Niles/On-site

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS)
• Minimum 2 years experience as Buyer/Planner in a Government Contracting environment
• Clear understanding of Nondisclosure Agreement Requirements and proprietary data
• Knowledge of ITAR and EAR requirements
• Ability to demonstrate cost/price analysis skills required for competitive and non-competitive procurements
• Fully knowledgeable of Government Contracting and able to teach and mentor others, including FAR, DFARS, and other government regulations
• Expert knowledge of lot sizing, material planning, and production scheduling
• Expert knowledge of WISE/Cincom/SAP and MRP systems
• Expert knowledge of Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRPII)
• Expert knowledge of planning functions/roles
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite & Database Mining software skills
• Expert knowledge of replenishment programs. Ability to set up internal and external programs with production and customers
• Ability to lead Continuous Improvement projects
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups in problem-solving and process improvement