Buyer

Warn Automotive, part of Vehicle Service Group is a world leader in driveline disconnect technology. Our heritage comes from making WWII surplus Jeeps easier to drive on the road with the first unlocking hubs. We continue today by making disconnects for cars, trucks, and SUVs around the world. These trusted technologies come from years of innovation and listening to our customer's needs. We have a bright future ahead so come join our growing team at Warn Automotive.

Position Summary:

Performs a variety of buying and planning activities required to support production and strategic objectives across the company.  Assignments are relatively complex and involve buying and planning activities for purchased parts including scheduling purchase orders with both domestic and international suppliers.  Demonstrates a working understanding of Warn systems related to purchasing/planning/scheduling.  Has basic knowledge of the legal aspects of purchasing.

Essential Functions:

• Researches, selects and purchases quality products and materials.
• Updates and monitors inventory ensuring that stock levels are maintained at appropriate levels.
• Reviews material requirements report outputs and recommends and/or takes appropriate Purchasing actions, under limited supervision.
• Ensures production never stops due to a parts shortage.
• Supports Cycle Count and Physical Inventory activities.
• Participates in engineering, production control, purchasing and other activities to achieve optimum utilization of facilities in meeting production schedules and customer demands, both internal and external.
• Provides input to team regarding problems such as shortages, design changes, backlogs, etc.
• Maintains purchasing and related information systems databases, as assigned.
• Works on Company-wide projects with key suppliers as assigned.
• Participates and may facilitate visitations to supplier facilities.
• Represents the company in negotiations and business activities with suppliers, as assigned, places purchase orders with suppliers.
• Responsible for prompt and regular attendance as scheduled.
• May participate in Warn Automotive selection process as necessary.
• Accountable for developing and monitoring processes and practices necessary for legal and ethical compliance in assigned area.
• Accountable for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance in assigned area.  Responsible for design and operating May be required to work overtime.
• Responsible for prompt and regular attendance as scheduled.

• Works safely and without injury.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Competencies:

• Problem solving and decision making
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Customer focus (internal and external)
• Accountability and responsibility
• Planning and organizing
• Conflict management
• Keen negotiator

Availability Requirements:

Due to the nature and scope of the essential functions of this position, the importance of personal interactions with coworkers and employees, and the availability of job-related tools, equipment and resources at work, performance of the essential functions requires regular, consistent availability, accessibility, and presence on-site and after-hours. 

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out of area travel may be expected.

Education or Experience:

• Bachelors degree or three or more years experience in purchasing/planning required.
• Experience in an ERP/MRP production planning/materials controls function preferred.
• Professional certifications (ISM, APICS,CPP) preferred.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:     

• Strong oral and written communication skills commensurate with the job tasks and position necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers while providing exceptional quality of work and outstanding customer service. Ability to present information in a manner designed to educate or inform other team members and customers in one-on-one or group interactions as directed.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills including ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced work environment while maintaining a calm, rational and respectful demeanor and communication style in times of stress occasioned by work demands, tight timelines, heavy production expectations, unexpected quality control issues, and other work-related issues or concerns that may cause a heightened level of anxiety, frustration, anger, disappointment, confusion, etc.
• Enthusiastic adoption and consistent demonstration of Warn Automotives’ Core Values:  Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit, Winning Through Customer Focused Innovation, Respects & Values People, Expectations for Results, High Ethical Standards, Openness and Trust.
• Strong technical, trouble-shooting, problem solving, research, organizational and analytical skills, combined with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet established deadlines.  Ability to multitask is also essential while remaining flexible with changing priorities and deadlines. 
• Well-reasoned decision making with a high attention to detail regarding organization, planning, work flow, and project prioritization to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
• Highly ethical, self-motivated individual with ability to work independently and/or with limited direction, as well as cooperatively in a team environment, while consistently demonstrating collaborative, respectful and productive work habits.
• Working knowledge of Word and Excel required.
• Ability to facilitate activities necessary to a project’s completion.
• Must have a history of impeccable integrity, ethics and fair play.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Receive, understand, evaluate and appropriately respond to communications from employees, members of management, customers, vendors, and visitors using available technology, in person and in a public setting when necessary

• Work for extended periods of time in a stationary position daily while operating a computer and other tools and equipment in conjunction with completing required job tasks.  This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required.  This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.
• Maintain professional and respectful communication style to ensure reactions and responses to both emergency and non-emergency situations serve as an example to others of appropriate workplace communications.
• Provide intellectually sound and well-reasoned answers, recommendations and solutions to identified business problems, issues and/or questions.  Efficiently and quickly analyze, process, manipulate, and accurately record extensive amounts of data (some of which is technical in nature) and other information that serves as the basis for this position.
• Use a personal computer or other technology devices frequently and consistently for the purpose of reviewing, analyzing, creating, transmitting, and presenting documents, data and other business-related information.
• Move to, from and within the designated work area frequently and consistently throughout the work day and regularly throughout our building and/or across Warn-related property site locations, possibly during inclement weather.
• Lift, transport and/or move up to 20 pounds of weight occasionally in the performance of regular duties.  Occasional bending, stooping, walking up and down stairs, standing on a step stool and kneeling may be required.

Environment/Atmospheric Conditions:

The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  This position’s job duties are performed generally in a shop or warehouse type environment.  Team members in this position may be exposed to loud noises from operating machinery, cold temperatures, chemicals and vapors, and possibly injury associated with work involving manufactured parts, assembly and heavy machinery.  The team member may also occasionally be required to work in an office environment with traditional office lighting and office furniture, as well as consistent and frequent noise, interruptions and other similar distractions.

Machines, Tools Equipment, Software:

Personal computer, network environment, fax machine, copy machine, other office equipment, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Windows and other company specific software.

The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties that may be required for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this or similar positions and additional duties may be assigned.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.