Senior Buyer

Status: Exempt 

Department: Purchasing/Supply Chain

Position Summary

The Senior Buyer serves a critical role to Plug Power by working to procure necessary parts and components in support of the manufacturing operation while also acting as a lead resource for the rest of the purchasing team. The Senior Buyer role must establish very strong and mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers and therefore requires dynamic interpersonal skills. A most successful Senior Buyer exhibits timely and accurate transactional work, exceptional cross-functional collaboration, hands-on communication skills, and untiring follow-up to ensure completion of critical tasks and projects. The ideal candidate is able to self-manage projects and company initiatives with limited direction required from management. This individual may be involved in negotiating short- and long-term agreements, incorporating strategic purchasing initiatives, developing and implementing procurement strategies. Additionally, the Senior Buyer will be looked to as a purchasing team lead and will service as an advisor and mentor to other purchasing staff.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform transactional duties including placing of purchase orders to procure material in support of manufacturing and other business functions
• Build and maintain effective cross-functional relationships; communicate regularly to maintain an understanding of timelines and activities which impact supply chain
• Act as a primary partner to the manufacturing operation by understanding build schedules and managing supply chain activities to increase efficiency and eliminate downtime
• Take responsibility for accurate and on-time delivery of parts and components; follow-up on PO’s with suppliers and manage delivery date expectations as necessary with all relevant stakeholders
• Understand material specifications and quality metrics affecting assigned parts and components; work collaboratively to resolve quality issues with suppliers
• Develop strong relationships with suppliers and communicate regularly; manage date pull-ins and push-outs on an ongoing basis
• Serve as a mentor and advisor to the purchasing team, guiding and directing activities of fellow Buyers as needed
• Train new team members, acting as advisor and resource
• Leverage positive working relationships with suppliers based upon mutual benefit; seek favorable terms and conditions which positively impact pricing, quality, payment terms, and others as applicable
• Track supplier performance and provide regular feedback to relevant stakeholders; set clear expectations with suppliers and work to add/replace suppliers as needed for optimal business results
• Collaborate with colleagues in the finance department to resolve supplier payment issues
• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Education and Experience
 

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, or other applicable field of study and five (5) or more years of related work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience within a technology manufacturing environment is highly preferred
• Must be capable of working independently, in a fast-paced environment, with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated analytical abilities with strong attention to detail
• Superior communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software including highly developed skills within Excel
• Ability to manage projects and multi-task effectively
• Ability to role model high standards of professionalism
• Excellent follow-through
• Must be driven and self-motivated
• Must possess the highest ethical standards and a supreme commitment to quality Exempt employees are expected to work as many hours as is necessary to complete their job responsibilities.  This may require they work more than eight hours a day and more than five days or 40 hours per week.  

Plug Power, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.