Buyer - Purchasing

Eaton's ES AMER ARS division is currently seeking a Buyer - Purchasing. This role will take place out of our facility in Sumter, SC.

The Buyer will be responsible for providing advanced technical and analytical skills to support planning and procurement of goods and services in support of production and plant requirements in such a manner so as to comply with engineering specifications; obtain timely deliveries; assure quality; secure lowest effective pricing and support economical inventory levels to provide maximum total value. They will also need to have strong verbal and written communication, persuasive and analytical problem-solving skills and be able to work with individuals and/or groups to facilitate process improvements within teams.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $71000 - $105000 a year. This position is also eligible for a variable incentive program.

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

What you'll do:

• Identify new and/or alternative sources of supply to meet ongoing improvement efforts of products and designs.
• Visit supplier's locations to evaluate, develop and maintain relationships with current and prospective suppliers that will bring added value to the process.
• Accountable for Cost Out for the plant for the category the person owns it.
• Coordinate with regional MRO purchasing group in order to participate in all national and regional purchasing contracts.
• Liaison for escalations of material issues for material purchases for panelboards and switchboards. Provide purchasing support to 16 satellites. Support efforts to service the OEM market.
• Work on projects and special assignments as required.
• Support efforts to effectively manage inventory to meet production schedules.
• Manage Purchase Price variance to achieve positive results.
• Participate in cross functional teams such as Pro Launch, VSM, and VAVE.
• Support Supplier Quality and Supplier Quality Audit efforts.
• Obtain cost reduction and cost savings in accordance with business requirements.
• Support negotiations for long term, short term and spot term contracts on plant level and division wide basis to obtain the most favorable price, quality, delivery, terms and conditions.
• Prepare RFQ's and analyze bid packages.
• Participate in strategy meetings and maintain corporate contracts on local level.
• Adhere to all safety rules and procedures, including 5S requirements. Additionally, responsible for reporting unsafe conditions to appropriate management or MESH representative. Correct unsafe hazards and conditions. Timely closure of correction actions including inspections and investigations. Meet department MESH goal and attain at least 85% on department monthly MESH audit checklist.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or Engineering from an accredited institution + 1 year of supply chain/buyer experience OR a High School Diploma/GED + a minimum of 3 years of supply chain/buyer experience.
• No relocation benefit is offered for this position. Only candidates residing within the immediate area of the Sumter, SC facility (50-mile radius) will be considered for this position. Active-Duty Military Service member candidates are exempt from the geographical area limitation.
• Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.

• Certification in Production and Inventory Management.
• At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing environment.

• Bill of Materials (BOM) knowledge and the ability to read drawings/blueprints.
• Prior work experience using a computer, including competence in Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Dependable and self-directed.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of product and manufacturing capabilities within plant.
• Knowledge of process improvement tools and techniques.
• Effective Negotiation Skills in managing price, quality and lead-time dimensions
• Prior experience with AS400, MAPICS, VISTA, and DMM computer programs.

• Evaluate the capabilities and integrity of new suppliers.
• Control costs and obtain cost reductions in times of inflation and unstable markets.
• Control inventory levels in job shop environment with lead-times ranging between 4-6 weeks. Anticipate and forecast trends and production requirements.
• Anticipate supply problems and develop contingencies.
• Service changing requirements of engineering.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including aggressiveness, assertiveness and good judgment, as needed to negotiate contracts with suppliers.
• Interface and effectively communicate with engineering and accounting to understand and communicate their needs, requirements and restrictions to suppliers.
• Analytical ability coupled with ability to quickly assimilate information so as to be able to gain product knowledge and evaluate vendor's product capabilities.
• Collaborate with the quality team to identify and communicate cause of problems and communicate resolution to all levels of manufacturing.