Basic Job Functions:

Responsible for obtaining bids and placing orders for supplies, materials, services, and equipment. Negotiates pricing and delivery with key vendors, supports the qualification of new suppliers and plans inventory levels according to established guidelines and in a cost-efficient manner.  Responsible for assuring Purchasing Orders are placed and deliveries are scheduled and maintained to meet production requirements of one or more critical production material commodities and production consumables.

Education/Experience:

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:  High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum 4 years of relevant work experience (purchasing, planning/scheduling, and supply chain).  Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred. Good working knowledge with commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within Supply Chain. Experience with MRP concepts and one or more ERP systems (SAP preferred). Comfortable working with engineering data bases and discussing specification changes with suppliers. Associate degree in a related discipline Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline strongly preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Technical:

Proven organizational skills – ability to prioritize. Proven computer skills, including Microsoft Office or equivalent. In depth knowledge of MRP and ERP concepts. Demonstrated experience in managing suppliers and supplier relationships. Demonstrated experience in negotiating cost reductions and terms and conditions. Proven communications and interpersonal skills.

Accountabilities:

Some degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Timely placement of Purchase Orders Down time of the manufacturing process or other business at First Solar due to run out of assigned commodities is minimized. Supplier relationships are maintained and improved.

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsible for managing the commercial relationship between First Solar and many of its suppliers. Responsible for processing purchase orders according to established guidelines and in a cost-efficient manner. Utilizing MRP and other input from Manufacturing Planning, determine what items need to be ordered and in what quantity, and place Purchase orders with approved suppliers to meet manufacturing requirements. Responsible for negotiating pricing and other commercial terms with assigned vendors. Independently investigates new suppliers for improved price, delivery, and quality.  Responsible for proposing and supporting the qualification of new suppliers. Responsible for managing inventory levels of assigned materials. As required, expedite or de-expedite deliveries and change scheduled quantities to meet changes in production or requirements, including working with Logistics to schedule and arrange timely and cost-effective deliveries. Notify suppliers of changes in specification and obtain their approval prior to implementing the change. Notify suppliers of quality discrepancies in their incoming material; with internal and supplier experts, support the identification of root cause and assure corrective action; and assure material disposition is appropriate dealt with.  Analyses aging purchase orders.  Interfaces with all departments and suppliers. Performs computer input. Maintains effective communications levels and fosters team building. Adheres to all First Solar internal processes and procedures, including safety, SOA, ISO9000, SIO14000, and housekeeping standards. Other duties as assigned. Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

No direct reports

Travel:

May travel to critical suppliers.

Estimated Annual Salary Range:

$58,000 - $78,0000

US Physical Requirements:

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.   All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check band any other tests that may be required.     

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.