Buyer

Company / Location Information

A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

The Buyer role is based out of our North America Water Treatment -Appleton, WI location.

Primary Function

This position is responsible for the development and management of supplier relationships that provide the best cost, quality, and delivery of commodities that, in turn, contribute to the growth of the Corporation.

Responsibilities

1. Create and release purchase orders. 
2. Confirm timely and complete receipts according to production requirements.
3. Approve invoices from suppliers. 
4. Maintain inventory levels and Days On Hand to meet inventory turns goals.
5. Plan, coordinate, and communicate purchase order releases to support production requirements.
6. Communicate with and visit with suppliers as needed.
7. Proactively communicate with suppliers to solve delivery issues as they arise.
8. Understand and manage elements of total cost of ownership.
9. Assist in setting up New Suppliers as directed.
10. Understand the Demand Plan and meet delivery requirements for production.
11. Measure supplier performance in delivery and quality.
12. Work with Engineering on project redesigns and new releases to complete supplier selection.
13. Assist with requests for quotes and cost analysis.
14. Assist in negotiating pricing and terms with suppliers.
15. Establish input into the system for ordering and invoice payment.
16. Measure and monitor supplier performance in areas of on time delivery, cost of poor quality, lead-time, and purchase price variance.
17. Drive root cause analysis and corrective action when suppliers are non-compliant in any area.
18. Conduct legal and ethical business relationships with suppliers.
19. Benchmark leading supply chain practitioners and develop world class practices.
20. Build alliances across departments.
21. Continue to develop and/or improve skills vital for business growth.
22. Anticipate and adapt to change.
23. Ensure internal and external customer satisfaction.
24. Become familiar with the products and commodities you are purchasing.
25. Other responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ year related work experience in purchasing, inventory control, or other material's related experience

Certifications

• APICS CPIM or ISM APSM certification, preferred, but not required

Additional Qualifications

• Related experience can be substituted for a Bachelors degree
•  Ability to communicate effectively and proven track record of team participation success
• Must be computer literate and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• SAP, Oracle, JDE ERP system experience a plus

Education

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance. Medical insurance begins on the 1st day of employment.

#LI-Onsite 

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ADA Statement & EEO Statement

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.