Senior Buyer

Morgan Advanced Materials is a world leader in advanced materials science and engineering of ceramics, carbon and composites. We operate in a series of well-defined markets where our applications expertise offers our customers a valuable differentiator, engineering high-specification materials, components and sub-assembly parts that solve their challenging technical problems.

The Technical Ceramics business of Morgan Advanced Materials engineers high performance functional and structural ceramic materials, components and sub-assemblies to address customer-specific technical challenges.

The business employs advanced materials science and applications expertise to produce parts that enhance reliability or improve the performance of its customers’ products. Much of what the global business unit makes is used in demanding, harsh or critical environments. Our Technical Ceramics business works in selected segments of the electronics, energy, healthcare, industrial, petrochemicals, security and transport markets, typically in close collaborative customer relationships.

Group Key Figures: Revenue £950m (2021), ~7,500 employees, manufacturing in 30+ countries, and customers in 100+ countries. A UK PLC with head office located in Windsor, Berkshire UK.  Listed on London Stock Exchange; Member of the FTSE 250 Index.

Job Purpose

The Senior Buyer reports to the Supply Chain Manager and is responsible for the procurement of direct and indirect materials, services and/or labor supporting the production plan, inventory management and customer order delivery requirements. Supports SIOP through reports reflecting progress against supplier on time delivery, quality scorecards or corrective actions. This position serves as the frontline communication with our vendors and responsibilities include sourcing of materials, monitoring supplier approval and performance, monitoring inventory levels, issuing purchase orders from ERP system, and negotiating material and freight costs.

To utilize system tools inclusive to the requisition and procurement of commodities and/or services in a timely manner. Works closely with the Operation Managers, Production Supervisors, Planner, Accounting and Engineering departments to achieve company goals in accordance with policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Purchasing

• Source materials and packaging based on quality, cost, and availability.
• Monitor supplier approval process and maintain performance records.
• Place orders, generate PO’s from ERP system and confirm PO’s for components, packaging, raw materials and equipment.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate inventory levels of raw materials, packaging, finished goods, and equipment.
• Post inventory adjustments, review lot number issues, and work with accounting to resolve discrepancies in ERP systems.
• Review MRP daily. Work with department supervisors to ensure materials arrive in time to meet production demand and production schedule.
• Implement procedures for department.
• Work with our vendors to implement our strategic goals (delivery, stocking agreements, blanket PO’s)
• Maintain supplier records in ERP system. Enter newly approved suppliers.
• Maintain supplier ISO performance files and Non-conforming materials logs.

Inventory

• Receive purchase requisitions through an ERP system, review to assure item(s) is properly specified and pertinent information is provided necessary for proper placement of order.
• Coordinate with Production Planner for inventory requirements, supplier deliveries and expedites.
• Track critical supply items and contact vendors to work to expedite deliveries on purchase orders where needed.
• Assist Accounts Payable in resolving invoice or other payment problems and Logistics / Receiving with freight details on incoming supplier shipments.

Cross-Function Support

• Communicate regularly with vendors via e-mail, phone, and face-to-face appointments to keep track of supply issues and to maintain a sound business relationship.
• Collaborate with suppliers, vendor, internal and external personnel, and departments to procure purchases in a timely manner.
• Assist in the development and maintain key procurement processes in conjunction with Accounting, Quality, and other departments – standard costing updates, new vendor approvals, vendor certifications, banking information on vendors, quality SCARs to suppliers, and etcetera.
• Maintain files and records, in compliance to; GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, SOX – Sarbanes Oxley, and ISO – International organization for Standardization regulations.
• Participate as required in 'problem solving teams, kaizen events, cross functional committees, and multi-discipline initiatives.
• Conduct all tasks in a safe and efficient manner complying with all local, state and federal EHS regulations and with Morgan EHS Guidelines. Guidelines include but not limited to participation in required EHS training and use of proper PPE. Employees are responsible for reporting hazardous conditions and job-related injuries or illness to their supervisor.

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.  Other duties may be assigned.

Required Education and Experience -

• Bachelor’s Degree and/ or relevant work experience
• 5+ years’ experience within the purchasing or supply chain function in industrial company
• MS-Office and experience with ERP systems
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including experience in negotiating

Preferred Qualifications:

• BA or BS in Business, IT, or Related Field
• APICS or ISM Certification (e.g., CPSM)
• MS Dynamics 365 experience is a plus
• Previous dealings with technical information is helpful
• 2+ years experience in related business area
• 5+ years purchasing experience in industrial company

Competency framework - Skills, attitudes & behaviors necessary to be competent in the role

• Strategic capability: Makes the connections to see the underlying trends – “the big picture”. 
• Basic supervisory skills: Ability to guide other team members.
• Problem analysis: Quickly discerns key facts and differentiates between relevant and irrelevant information.
• Judgement: Demonstrates a sound process for weighing options and making decisions. Prepared to challenge the status quo and take calculated risks.
• Creative thinking: Generates unique and appropriate solutions, when required.
• Drive and resilience: Demonstrates motivation. Is flexible and able to adapt styles to deliver results.  Is comfortable with ambiguity.
• Execution: Can demonstrate a proven ability to deliver on programs and projects.  Is a self-starter with a can-do attitude.
• Negotiation skills: Ability to discuss pricing and terms with vendors
• Empathy: Is personable, authentic and emotionally aware.
• Influencing: Is an excellent communicator.  Has strong interpersonal skills and builds lasting relationships.  Can influence and persuade others through a range of techniques.   
• Shares our values: Is ambitious, innovative and demonstrates integrity.

Morgan Advanced Materials is an EEO/AA/M/W/D/V Employer.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles, and toxic caustic chemicals.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description does not state or imply that all duties to be performed are specifically identified above. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested or instructed by an authorized person of the Company. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.