Buyer

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POSITION SUMMARY:

Purchases materials, supplies, and services by developing, soliciting, and analyzing supplier quotations.  Coordinates activities with other departments to assure proper delivery, quality, reliability, and low-cost consistency. Locates new sources of supply, establishes new suppliers and coordinates order maintenance with existing suppliers.  Resolves conflicts that arise with supplier delivery schedules, raw materials, inventory, etc.  Develops and/or assists in developing strategies and solutions to continuously improve cost levels, stable sources of supply, high quality of commodities and other governing factors.  Participates in continuous improvement activities.  Tracks supplier performance and works with suppliers to improve quality, delivery, cost, productivity and support.  Develops cost database detailing all material, labor, and overhead costs of purchased products and services.  Studies market trends and technology related to job.  Researches and recommends new product developments.  Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives. 

KEY FUNCTIONS & AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below will be performed at all levels and will vary in nature dependent upon work group or department respectively.  At level I, work involves primarily routine processing of data/documentation focused on daily workflow requirements.  Purchases/decision making may require the understanding of unique technical product specifications including special testing, processing, packing/packaging requirements and/or the decision to group items for lot bidding and awards.  The number of suppliers and/or potential suppliers is likely to be small and price differentials often reflect important factors that are difficult to evaluate (i.e. quality, delivery dates, locations, etc.).  The quantities of any item or service have the potential to be very large.  Guidance is provided directly by person or in the form of policies, systems, or procedures.  Decisions typically involve limited risk to the organization. At level II, work requires independent problem solving and decision making with broad guidance provided on overall project objectives with specific guidance on program complexities.  May work with suppliers in order to meet challenging and unique requests and address issues related to quality improvement.  Quantities of items and services purchased are often large in volume in order to satisfy the requirements for an extended period of time.  Complex schedules of delivery are often involved.  Decisions focus on prioritization, process, and issues rather than data elements and usually involve moderate risk to the organization although results may have long-lasting impact. At level III, work is complex and difficult in character and requires strong technical and broad business knowledge in addition to program or project management skills.  Work involves independent problem solving and decision making with general direction given on project objectives and broad guidance from corporate strategy and goals.  Work involves working with suppliers in order to meet highly complex and rigid specifications.  Recommends and leads change in department/supplier selection.  Exercises considerable latitude in determining specific project objectives and approaches to assignment.  Decisions often involve substantial impact and risk to the organization with potential for long-lasting results. 

• Purchases materials, supplies, and services by developing, soliciting, and analyzing supplier quotations.  Coordinates activities with other departments to assure proper delivery, quality, reliability, and low -cost consistency. Documents and maintains necessary records and files.  May work with agents and customs brokers for overseas material buying.
• Locates new sources of supply, establishes new suppliers and coordinates order maintenance with existing suppliers.  Selects and/or recommends suppliers with who orders will be placed.  Develops and maintains relationships with suppliers.
• Resolves conflicts that arise with supplier delivery schedules, raw materials, inventory, etc. working with Production Inventory Control (PIC) personnel and other areas to resolve escalated conflicts.  Assumes ultimate responsibility to ensure suppliers deliver quality product on time.  
• Develops and/or assists in developing strategies and solutions to continuously improve cost levels, stable sources of supply, high quality of commodities and other governing factors related to the Purchasing Department and adjacent areas. 
• Participates in continuous improvement activities that may include developing programs to improve supplier performance.  Tracks supplier performance and works with suppliers to continuously improve quality, delivery, cost, productivity and support.  
• Develops cost database detailing all material, labor, and overhead costs of purchased products and services.  Works with necessary departments to minimize costs and maximize efficiency of purchasing function.
• Studies market trends and systems technology related to job.  Researches and recommends new product developments.  Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

Level I

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field including purchasing and/or materials experience; or equivalent.  Knowledge of purchasing concepts, practices, and procedures related to buying and demonstrated ability to purchase materials/equipment/services, in substantial quantities. 
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate with internal and external contacts at all levels including experience developing suppliers. 
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills in order to establish priorities, identify and set goals, meet deadlines, etc.
• Proficiency with tools/equipment related to job (i.e. personal computers, manufacturing systems, etc.).
• Proficient in Excel , Word, Microsoft office.

Level II (in addition to above requirements)

• Three years purchasing and/or materials experience including commodity expertise related to respective area; or equivalent.  High level of expertise in developing suppliers necessary to meet cost, quality, delivery, and reliability needs.  Must be able to meet unique and complex design requests and address issues related to quality improvement.
• Demonstrated excellent problem-solving and negotiation skills in order to perform job duties independently and make decisions that meet company goals and objectives.  Must be able to work on assignments that are broad in nature, involving a high degree of originality and ingenuity.

Level III (in addition to above requirements)

• Eight years purchasing and/or materials experience; or equivalent.  Must be able to work with suppliers’ top professionals to meet unique and complex design requests and address issues related to quality improvements.

• Demonstrated strong leadership/team facilitation skills to develop strategies, plan and assign staff for assignments, and lead, manage, and coordinate timing of assignments. 

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.