Basic Purpose:

Direct the company materials function in support of the company strategic plan and annual business plan.  The function is responsible to negotiate and oversee the purchasing requirements for all materials and services required by the company.  Maintain acceptable inventory levels to support manufacturing and customer requirements.

Key Job Responsibility:

A.                 Planning:

·        Use MRP as major tool for planning

·        Plan personnel requirements to ensure sufficient staffing for effective support in production planning, control and scheduling, inventory control, purchasing and warehouse (shipping, receiving and stockkeeping)

·        Analyze sales demand forecast and develop plans for production/inventory to meet financial goals and established customer service levels

·        Review and approve recommendations regarding materials manning requirements, production and inventory levels based on analysis of sales forecast

B.                 Operations:

·        Establish effective order policies within MRP

·        Direct the purchasing function regarding inventory levels, long term purchase commitments, pricing and vendor performance/evaluation

·        Direct the development of Materials Department budgets

·        Review performance of purchase price, obsolete inventory, make/buy, planning and departmental budget variances

·        Develop new systems and tools to enhance the performance and productivity of materials Department personnel

·        Reviews and approves master schedules based on company objectives

·        Promote activity which leads to professional growth within the department

·        Must be willing and available to travel internationally

·        International experience

C.                 Human Resources:

·        Directs the activities of the Procurement Staff.

·        Monitors personal development of staff, providing appropriate job enrichment

·        Ensures each individual in the Purchasing Department has:

-         An accurate, current job description

-         Annual review, and/or merit review

-         Proper specific training for their position

-         General knowledge of the Company’s business and organizational structure

-         Thorough understanding of the Company’s compensation and benefit programs

-         Proper tools for job performance

-         A complete understanding of departmental and company goals

D.                Accountability:

·        Report to Vice President/General Manager of Operations

·        A staff of exempt, non-exempt and hourly associates

·        Annual operating expense budget as approved by Senior Management

·        Inventory at or below agreed upon business levels

Knowledge and Skills Required:

A.                 Education

·        Four (4) year degree from accredited institution

·        Educational concentration in materials Management/Production Control

B.                 Experience Required:

·        Seven (7) years experience in purchasing, production control and warehousing in a high volume manufacturing environment

C.                 Knowledge Required:

·        Thorough understanding of  ISO 9001 and Lean Six Sigma practices

·        Must understand the financial implication of Materials Management

·        Understanding of current TQM Practices/Procedures

·        Understanding of quality systems and best practices

D.                Skills Required:

·        Strong interpersonal skills

·        Must be effective with communication at all levels within the organization

·        Strong problem solving skills

·        Sound judgment

·        The ability to understand the “BIG” picture