Job Information
Kadant Solutions Buyer/Planner in Auburn, Massachusetts
Overview
The Buyer/Planner is responsible for source selection and procurement functions directly associated with the company's needs for indirect materials and services, fixed assets and tooling, and select production materials and services. These products and services are to be secured at cost quality and at delivery competitive levels consistent with company policy and performance standards. The position is further responsible for a timely planning and scheduling of receipt and inventory control of the products and services as assigned consistent with ERP software requirements or as appropriately concluded with a requisitioner.
Responsibilities
Initiates purchase orders and amendments for parts, services and/or special tools; arranges for submission and inspection of sample products as required; maintains close coordination with plan engineering to ensure timely execution of product and services sourcing.
Secures and analyzes quotations, negotiates prices and terms with suppliers, and recommends suppliers with respect to cost, quality and delivery competitiveness for assigned responsibilities.
Works closely with I-R strategic sourcing to advance enterprise wide sourcing programs as appropriate.
Studies market prices and trends, engineering developments, and manufacturing method improvements applicable to assigned responsibilities; advises company activities with concurrence of a senior buyer and/or the director of purchasing.
Interviews and confers with current and prospective suppliers to determine supply capabilities, transportation logistics, inventory control and management; negotiates prices and delivery terms with guidance from a senior buyer or the director of purchasing for assigned responsibilities.
Organizes and implements with direction form a senior buyer and or the director of purchasing strategies to accomplish small business and disadvantaged business sourcing programs consistent with company guidelines.
Visits suppliers' facilities to qualify them as new sources and assists in the resolution of production, design, quality and or delivery problems.
Qualifications
Education/Experience
Associates degree/certificate in a business discipline preferred with 2-5 years' experience in a related field or 5-10 years' experience in lieu of a degree.
Experience in an engineer-to-order environment.
Experience with global sourcing and procurement.
Efficient in multi-tasking.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Understanding of change and comprehension of sense of urgency.
Detailed oriented.
Knowledge
Demonstrated organizational and problem solving skills required.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate with suppliers on terms and conditions, price, delivery, and quality issues.
Ability to work with others in a team environment while effectively handling internal pressures.
Ability to read blueprints and product specifications.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
Physical/Environmental Demands
Work in a climate controlled office environment, but may need to make trips onto the production floor in order to meet with the foreman, employees and others to discuss production and scheduling.
Occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to handle mental challenges particularly when there is a significant increase in demand or when the production team is not meeting demand.
Who is Kadant Solutions Division?
Kadant Solutions, based in Auburn, Massachusetts, develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of doctoring, cleaning, filtration, and forming systems and related consumables used in process industries worldwide including construction roofing materials, food processing, metals processing, nonwovens, pulp and paper, textiles and fibers, and tissue.
Why consider joining the Kadant team?
Kadant was named as one of America's Most Responsible Companies 2021-2026 by Newsweek
Kadant was named as one of America's Greatest Companies 2025 by Newsweek
Kadant was named as one of America's Greenest Companies 2025 by Newsweek
Kadant was named to Newsweek's list of America's Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024
100% of Kadant's energy comes from renewable sources.
Kadant serves the pulp and paper industry which has recycled 68% of everything produced and 82% of cardboard since 2009, the highest of any processing industry.
Kadant serves several process industries including lithium-ion battery production, food processing, metals processing, carbon fiber, nonwovens, textiles, and construction roofing materials.
At Kadant, our customer-focused innovation allows us to deliver Sustainable Industrial Processing™ engineering services and technologies to help our customers create more value with fewer inputs.
*Equal opportunity employer.
*Diverse and inclusive workplace.
*Competitive wage.
*All benefits are effective upon date of hire.
Our comprehensive benefit package includes:
*Medical, Dental and Vision insurance with best-in-class premiums.
*10 ½ paid holidays.
*401k with match.
*Company paid life insurance benefit.
*Disability insurance.
*Aflac insurance.
*Lifelock insurance.
*MetLaw legal assistance.
*Employee assistance program.
*Flexible spending.
*Dependent care.
*Educational assistance.
*Employee stock purchase plan.
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