Location: Vernon Hills, IL (Onsite)
Required: Fluent in the German Language (Read, Write and Speak)
Responsible for proactively managing the Purchasing team, and overseeing all day-to-day Purchasing transactions, US Customs information and reporting. Determines purchasing strategies that are in line with the Global and local business strategies to ensure timely and cost-efficient supply of all goods, components, materials, etc., requested qualities, either from company sources or third-party sources.
REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:- In conjunction with the purchasing team, the Purchasing Manager will perform daily, weekly and monthly purchasing tasks including but not limited to:
- Process for generation of RFPs based upon inquiries from in-house departments and obtains and processes vendor quotations.
- Preparation and issuance of purchase orders based upon approved purchase requisitions received from in-house departments and based on SAP MRP requisitions.
- Establish a process to ensure that proactive actions are taken to address all SAP MRP exception reports.
- Receipt and review of vendor order acknowledgements. Ensures that vendor order acknowledgement conforms to RWMIC purchase order, volumes, delivery time and product/service quality. Negotiates and resolves any discrepancies proactively, informing all internal stakeholders frequently.
- Participates in the make or buy decisions for components and gives recommendations.
- Proactively runs vendor analysis, constantly seeking for optimized vendor portfolio and makes recommendations for new vendors, aligns with internal key stakeholders. Performs a thorough due diligence of pre-selected vendors. Completes vendor site audits as required.
- Continuously monitors the supply base and external events to proactively address and correct potential issues and avoid any supply disruptions.
- Works closely with the Supply Chain Manager in determining Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) and contributes to weekly SIOP Meetings.
- Establishes Terms and Conditions (T&C's) for vendors and suppliers and aligns those with the Head of Finance.
- Conducts preliminary negotiations with different vendors regarding the best possible price, quality requirements, payment terms and delivery.
- Works with in-house departments for comparative vendor sourcing, if feasible.
- Responsible for definition, actualization of purchasing processes in alignment with company policies and key stakeholders.
- Manages inbound Freight-Forwarder companies, their performances and compliances with our requirements. Ensures proper alignment with colleagues from GmbH to guarantee smooth operation and transparent communication, especially in cases of urgent needs/deliveries, strives for constant optimization of service and conditions.
- Reviews supplier contracts for conformance with company policies and maintains active vendor contract files; all agreements - Master Purchase Agreements, Service Level Agreements, and other applicable agreements.
- Maintains and updates a contract matrix, which allows to have an overview of contract type, contract due dates, list of involved stakeholders with the objective to prepare in a timely manner for upcoming contract renegotiations.
- Builds and maintains professional stakeholder management/communication with vendors at all times.
- Conducts regular on-site visits at key vendors together with members from the QA/QC team.
- Works closely with materials management and quality departments to quickly resolve any discrepancies in quantity or quality received from vendors.
- Prevents and resolves vendor issues, seeks (internal and external) legal support as needed.
- Personnel management duties for the Purchasing team including but not limited to hiring, staffing, performance management, training and career development, ensures proper backup options in absence of personnel.
- Promotes and models RWMIC Core Values in all interactions and responsibilities.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:- Delivers highest degree of ethics in receiving and passing on vendor "incentives", following guidelines and policies of Richard Wolf.
- SAP Key User for Purchasing related processes. Develops SAP training documents and trains Buyers on SAP Purchasing related topics.
- Prepares monthly KPI's and reports on purchasing activities for the Supply Chain Manager.
- Responsible for all Purchasing department record-keeping, including the occasional destruction of records per Company policies.
- Develops, implements, and maintains Purchasing targets as well as short and long-term range budget planning. Develops and implements projects and programs to ensure efficient and accurate functioning of the Purchasing department.
- Establishes strong work relationships with Headquarters/GmbH in Germany, striving for continued business optimization, modernization, and continued digitalization.
- Aware of and complies with the RWMIC Quality Manual and regulations & requirements as they apply to this job type/position.
- Completes all planned Quality & Compliance training within the defined deadlines.
- Other duties as assigned by the Supply Chain Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS:- B.S. or B.A. in a related field required.
- Minimum of five years managerial experience in Purchasing is required, including experience in development purchasing strategies, as well as the operational part.
- Advanced negotiation skills with a proven track record of achieving cost savings, favorable contract terms, and successful risk mitigation.
- Experience in establishing and maintaining or enhancing strategic relationships.
- Minimum of 3 years of team leadership, with the ability to motivate, inspire, and develop a diverse team.
- Experience with the FDA and ISO 13485:2016 required.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams at all levels. Proficiency in both verbal and written English & German languages.
- Advanced PC skills (MS Office suite of products) required.
- Proficiency in SAP required.
- Experience with and understanding of multi-cultural and multi-generational differences and the ability to work within this environment is crucial for successful employment.
- The following physical demands are required:
- Stand/Sit/Walk 8 hours per day
- All RWMIC Employees have the responsibility to themselves and the company to work safely.
We are proud to offer a competitive pay structure along with a well-rounded benefits package designed to support our employees' career growth, health, and work-life balance. Our benefits include:
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
- Flexible Work Options - Telecommuting and Flexible Schedules
- Tuition Reimbursement for Continuing Education
- Wellness Program and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
