Purchases materials, supplies and services at the most favorable terms for the organization. Qualifies vendors, evaluates bids, and negotiates prices and terms for purchased goods and services. Tracks purchases, monitors vendor quality, and maintains a current database of vendor information. Work can be independent at times but demands collaborative work in and among teams. Contribution can range from routine acquisition of product(s) to moderately complex aspects of a project involving acquisition of engineered goods and services.
Plays a primary role in procurement activities such as analyzing quote requests, assembling Requests for Quotes (RFQs), evaluating bid responses, and making purchasing recommendations based on evaluation of vendor's ability to meet specified requirements, including material specifications, lead times, pricing, and other quoted terms and conditions.
Executes contracts and Purchase Orders (PO) up to approved limits.
Creates purchase commitments in systems to vendors for material, equipment and services and projects, managing and updating the procure to pay process by coordinating drawing approvals, PO change orders, receipts, and invoice payments.
Acts as a resource and promotes procurement best practices to production and transmission design engineering teams, distribution cooperatives, and internal departments.
Actively manages open requisitions and PO commitments to ensure continuity of construction and repair activities of company. Mitigates potential interruptions and delays through close coordination with and advice to internal stakeholders, intervention with vendor, negotiating performance under PO, and escalation within company and with vendor.
Conducts vendor management functions such as vendor qualification and approval, onboarding, performance reviews against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and non-conformance resolution.
Coordinate the ordering, relief, and shipment of inventory goods with Inventory personnel. Perform logistical functions such as scheduling vendor or internal deliveries directly to job sites.
Assist in work order reconciliation and close-out activity within established timelines.
Partner with accounts payable to ensure timely receipt of goods and payment of vendor invoices within accounting periods to ensure timely release of financials.
Follow established Management Guidelines, policies, and procedures to accomplish transparent, financial control of decision-making.
The ability to evaluate, analyze and synthesize information to make decisions regarding appropriate course of action in vendor management and PO life cycle.
The ability to handle stress and work well with others are essential functions of this position.
Due to our obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to our customers, the ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance and the ability to work outside your regularly scheduled office hours when necessary is an essential function of the job.
Perform any other related duties as required or assigned
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent
Buyer I - 0 - 2 years relevant experience
Buyer II - 2 - 4 years relevant experience
Buyer III - 4+ years relevant experience
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Effective communication and influencing skills, both written and oral, with the ability to share information and ideas clearly and concisely with a range of audiences.
Proficient in database development/management.
Bachelor's Degree Business Administration, Engineering, Project Management, Supply Chain, or similar related field or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
Benefits
100% Company Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
401(k) with 3% Dollar-for Dollar Company Match
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
9 Paid holidays
2 Floating holidays
Educational assistance
Paid time off accrual
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Free & confidential Employee Assistance Program
EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DISABLED
Should you elect to apply for this position, AECC/AECI will review your qualifications. If after reviewing the qualifications and experience of all applicants, your skills and credentials meet our needs, someone from our organization may contact you. Please be advised that the time required to complete the applicant review process typically takes between 30 and 90 days but could extend beyond that. Once the position has been filled, all applicants will be notified via email.
Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. are Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other protected category.