Join our operations team where you will be influential in shaping our business strategy and ensuring we have the most effective operations. Be your own boss by creating your own career path and pushing your professional limits.

Job Summary The Buyer is responsible for effectively sourcing and procuring direct and indirect spend categories. Works under general supervision; relies on experience and evidence to plan and accomplish tasks; a certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Fact-based decision-making process.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities * Identifies material sources that are relative to the needs of the categories assigned. * Develops and maintains a relationship with vendors and sales management of key suppliers and demonstrates the ability and willingness to translate that relationship into a successful business plan and roadmap. * Leads RFI, RFP & Expressive Bid events and negotiation strategy to manage TCO and Risk. * Leverage market data/cost modeling to support the development of negotiation strategies that delivery maximum value to the organization. * Procures products that meet or exceed the quality, service, and price requirements of the assigned categories. * Provides current market levels and an accurate prediction for the future direction of the market. * Develops and maintains a clear understanding of the processes and products produced at those facilities for each category. * Supports Engineering with specification management and leads engineering change request with facilities. * Supports commercial agreement development with legal and other stakeholders. * Proactively offers relevant products to stakeholders. * Helps develop and grow sales and margin by developing an effective working relationship with GMO and management. * Prepares various market analysis reports as required. * Leads sourcing strategy road map. * Supports NPD, Innovation, Design-To-Source and Design-To-Manufacture projects. * Executes supply-plan by category with inventory coordinator by facility. * Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their assigned categories and strategies. * Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in business or related discipline or equivalent experience is required.
• 8 years of supply-chain and strategic sourcing experience.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Outlook, and other business software.
• Working knowledge of commodity market conditions and dynamics.
• Experience sourcing international vendors/products.
• Knowledge of legal requirements and contacting best practices.
• Proficiency in the use of the English language in reading, writing and speaking.
• Ability to successfully interact with all organizational levels and the public.
• Demonstrated proficiency to manage multiple tasks, to set priorities, and to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to be mobile in the work environment.
• Ability to use a computer, and proficiency of the use of MS Office and other business software.
• Demonstrated ability for fact-based decision-making abilities.

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Universal Forest Products and its subsidiaries and affiliates are equal opportunity employers.  All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.