Operations Buyer (Procurement Specialist) at Dematic Corp in Holland, Michigan

Job Description:

Dematic is a leading supplier of integrated automated technology, software and services to optimize the supply chain. Dematic employs over 7,000 skilled logistics professionals to serve its customers globally, with engineering centers and manufacturing facilities located around the world. Dematic is one brand under the KION Group of companies and has implemented more than 6,000 integrated systems for a customer base that includes small, medium and large companies doing business in a variety of market sectors.
 
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Dematic is a member of KION Group, a global leader in industrial trucks, related services and supply chain solutions. Across more than 100 countries worldwide, the KION Group designs, builds and supports logistics solutions that optimize material and information flow within factories, warehouses and distribution centers. The company is the largest manufacturer of industrial trucks in Europe, the second-largest producer of forklifts globally and a leading provider of warehouse automation.

Dematic is seeking an Operations Buyer (Procurement Specialist) to join our Procurement Supply Chain Solutions team. This person will be responsible for supporting procurement activities and objectives within a high volume, high mix project environment. This critical role supports our Manufacturing team in our Holland, MI plant, ensuring that we are able to deliver quality products on time by working with our key suppliers. This is an exciting opportunity for purchasing professionals who enjoy the fast pace of a manufacturing environment, and enjoy a variety of procurement activities in a growing organization.

The Operations Buyer is expected to be fast-paced, data-driven, and communicative with all internal and external stakeholders as necessary. Key responsibilities would fall into the following:

• Non-Conforming Product reduction


• Design Change Management


• Escalation support needed from logistics buyers


• System master data management


• System efficiency improvements


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He or she must  also be methodical in developing action plans, managing supplier deliveries to the plant, and interacting with our suppliers and internal customers. We are looking for someone who can pivot quickly and strives for excellence and continuous improvement.

Other Accountabilities: 

• Performs complex buying strategies to purchase and arrange timely deliveries of supplies and materials; expedites as needed and serves as liaison between vendors and users, getting prior approval for purchases in excess of established limits. Effectively manages supply programs to meet lead times, as well as delivery dates.


• Resolves complex delivery, quality or other related problems with purchases and invoices. Procure and manage material to meet quality, delivery, inventory and price targets (use SAP).


• Own daily working relationships with suppliers, category leaders and manufacturing or project leaders. Effectively communicates with and engages all levels of the organization, as well as key suppliers and customers.


• Updates project plans and purchasing systems; reviews and analyzes requisitions and supply plans for domestic and international purchases.


• Negotiates prices, terms and quality requirements; prepares requests for quotes and assists in the development of new supply sources; evaluates market conditions.


• Performs value analysis to identify cost improvements.


• Maintain material master data on assigned part numbers in SAP.


• Act as the point of contact with suppliers. May participate in negotiation of prices, terms, and quality requirements.


• Support supplier quality and supplier development activities, including monitoring and improving delivery reliability and lead time reduction.


• Support escalation process with suppliers based on scorecards, etc.


• Ensures purchase orders are compliant legally, and have the proper customer flow downs and specifications of purchase.


• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, ideally in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Business; valid certifications as a procurement professional preferred.


• Successfully applies knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of a particular area/specialization.


• Preferred 5 years of experience at a minimum in purchasing. Working in a manufacturing and/or projects environment is preferred.


• Strong knowledge of SAP and EDI transmission of the procure-to-pay process, including data elements. 2 - 3 Years of experience with SAP and Blanket Purchase Order with releases highly desirable.


• Ability to implement efficiencies in SAP to reduce the number of PO transactions per project required. Need to be able to drive SAP changes within the organization.


• Knowledge and strong utilization of Microsoft applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.


• Ability to communicate and build relationships both internally, across all functional organization and externally with supplies and customers.


• Lean and Continuous Improvement strategy strongly preferred, but not required.


• Must be willing to travel to suppliers and/or other Dematic locations as needed up to 15%.


• Demonstrated values of collaboration, integrity, courage and excellence is required.