The Direct Buyer supports and coordinates procurement process activities within SAP or other designated ERP system. Is responsible for the purchasing of material and services related to the AES Utilities businesses. Selects sources of supply and obtains multiple bids where possible, partnering with finance and stakeholders to ensure sourcing decisions are in the best interest of the company, and expedite deliveries as needed. Coordinates with all functional areas’ internal customers, suppliers, and other interested personnel in developing product specifications and requirements to ensure a continuous supply of top-quality material, equipment & services, at the optimum value.
Works closely with the Operations Team and SCM Team to support SAP Systematic adherence to the AES SCM procurement process
Investigates and identifies cost saving opportunities, obtains quotes, negotiate costs, delivery of products and works with end-users to meet company operational objectives.
Prepares evaluation worksheets & supporting documents. Ability to Lead Strategic Sourcing Cross-Functional Team where opportunities have been investigated and identified.
Handles departmental expediting of past due orders, pre-expediting of future purchase orders, posting of supplier delivery data, while maintaining accurate estimated arrival dates on all open purchase orders, ensuring accurate information on deliveries are communicated to affected parties.
Reviews the status of past-due open orders and performs necessary follow-up to ensure the cost-effective receipt of quality products.
Ensures requisitions are complete and accurate.
Ensures all purchase orders issued contain all required documentation to facilitate traceability of records.
Ensures compliance with Supply Chain policies and procedures as well as compliance with all safety and corporate guidelines on business ethics.
Works with Demand Planning team to review MRP data to analyze inventory levels/ lead times and issue purchase orders to maintain appropriate stocking levels.
Works with Demand Planning and Inventory team to create and implement a stock material procurement strategy.
Leads the end-to-end sourcing and contract administration process, including developing Requests for Quotes (RFQs), supplier bid evaluations, negotiations, contracting and supplier relationship management as needed.
Manages the supplier relationships within category of responsibility including supplier development, integration and supplier performance evaluation while promoting company social responsibility goals.
Identifies and facilitates the implementation of supply chain process improvement initiatives.
Accountable for savings targets and performance measures.
Reviews specifications and Statements of Work (SOWs) to ensure materials, goods and services ordered meet proper quality standards.
Maintains contact and effective working relationships with all levels of personnel both internal and external.
Coordinates with all departments and appropriate areas to obtain the best quality of materials and services at the optimum value.
Reviews invoicing/pricing issues and assist Accounts Payable (A/P) with the reconciliation with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Supports all aspects of the transmission and distribution sourcing process, focusing on supply assurance, quality, cost, service, delivery, and innovation.
Performs other related assignments as required by Senior Management.
Strong SAP Procurement and Inventory Management experience
Strong negotiation and analytical skills
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to perform effectively and produce results in a Team Environment and multifunctional teams in a dynamic work environment
Demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts, secure bids, and evaluate requests for quotations.
Demonstrated analytical/mathematical skills, as well as interpersonal skills.
Ability to read and interpret SOWs and specifications.
Basic accounting knowledge.
Demonstrated administrative skills necessary to establish the proper work priorities; ability to act with initiative regarding follow-up and the completion of multiple projects.
Excellent written communication skills; ability to compose final draft memos/project reports.
Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Knowledge of computer operation and use, with ability to learn a legacy ERP system.
Experience with statistical based supplier performance management systems.
Excellent oral communication skills; ability to formulate response to detailed questions in representing corporate policy/practice within function.
Comfortable giving audiovisual presentations to both suppliers and internal AES audiences.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of internal personnel and external supply base.
Demonstrated competency in Internet resources relating to purchasing research.
The successful candidate should have a minimum of 2+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in an Integrated Utility environment.
