Job Summary:

Analyze, negotiate and purchase various materials and services supporting operations following accepted purchasing ethics and practices, Tufco guiding principles and Tufco SOP work instructions.

Essential Functions:

• Work with existing suppliers to insure daily transactions for goods and services are meeting cost, quality and production timing objectives. 
• Computer entry of purchase orders for assigned areas to include responsibility for purchase order accuracy for quote adherence, delivery and quality requirements.
• Ensure related document control and retention (i.e. quotes, invoices, manifests).
• Support negotiation activities by department with suppliers and work with Tufco departments to initiate and achieve cost avoidance / savings and performance improvement goals.
• Support operational lead-time constraints and expedite with suppliers to negate missed commitment dates.
• Assist to resolve PO Purchase Price Variance (POPPV) issues.
• Assist Quality to monitor, track and resolve supplier related quality issues, including claims, warranty exchanges and returns. 
• Attend / lead as needed various Supplier, Quality, Operation and other department meetings.
• Initiate supplier visits to foster performance, product knowledge and leverage opportunities for Tufco.
• Assists other Buyers, and provides back up support as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate Degree in operations, business management or supply chain related field
•  2+ years of supply chain experience working with raw materials, spare parts, or other operational consumables and services
• Exposure to manufacturing environment 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and ERP systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on operations, business management or supply chain related field
• Working knowledge and training in fundamentals of purchasing, negotiation, business ethics and supply chain management
• Previous experience in the purchasing of Chemicals

Work Requirements:

• Application of method based decision making and problem solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of supply chain skills (VMI, consignment, etc.)
• Working knowledge of various quality systems and continuous improvement processes
• Must work in a safe and ethical manner at all times