The Senior MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) Buyer has significant responsibility for managing the MRO supplier relationships, contract administration, and execution of strategic sourcing activities.  This position is responsible for the preparation and issuance of purchase orders for products and services that are used to support our manufacturing facility.  The Senior MRO Buyer will also oversee the organization and execution of all aspects of purchasing and distribution of ongoing operations and CAPEX equipment while taking into account cost-effective solutions.

• Lead MRO purchasing activities including data gathering, assembling quote packages, evaluating quotes, making supplier recommendations, and executing contracts
• Collaborate with Supply Chain Management and Buyer Lead for purchasing activities and follow established purchasing policies and procedures
• Collaborate with Buyer Lead and Materials Management to identify strategic sourcing opportunities, including transition from project purchase to stock, VMI or Kanban
• Manage supplier relationships including contract management and price negotiation to obtain best possible value for goods, services and CAPEX equipment
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal customers while supporting productions needs
• Manage process to identify and resolve quality or delivery problems, including expediting and facilitating orders as required
• Suggest cost savings from data gathered in the form of standardizing and proposing alternate material
• Support M&A integration activities at Keystone EMC plant in Des Moines, IA related to MRO and CAPEX

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Supply Chain Management
• Minimum of five years of purchasing experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment

SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to gather and use competitive MRO costing information effectively
• Proven track record of managing supplier relationships
• Strong negotiation skills
• Process improvement experience utilizing Lean Techniques
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to work on numerous issues/projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite and ERP software (Syteline preferred)