Technical Purchasing Assistant FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Hours: 8a-5p Mon-Fri Position Summary: Source and process purchase requests to include capital equipment, machined parts, contracted labor and other miscellaneous items. Responsible for maintaining compliance to company and departmental procedures. Is the primary support liaison between the Maintenance and Engineering functions and the Company vendor base. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Reviews requisitions for proper order sourcing, reviews proposals prior to processing bid awards and ensures the lowest cost of ownership. Procures plant support requirements including miscellaneous goods and services and/or spare parts. Maintains confidentiality on sensitive issues such as sources of supply, volumes, costing data, strategies and other proprietary information and data. Updates and keeps current insurance certificate file for suppliers working on-site. Complies with purchase documentation required for imported goods and controlled substances. Communicates purchase specifications, drawings, etc. to suppliers as required for specific purchases. Works with suppliers to correct deficiencies in purchased goods and services. Responsible for submitting mechanical, electrical and other technical specifications and drawings from Engineering to potential suppliers for bidding purposes. Has responsibility for reviewing requisitions, establishing sourcing and order placement of Capital Equipment and MRO items. Reviews proposals prior to processing bid awards. Responsible for the administration of blanket purchase orders and contracts. Performs independent studies and analyses on purchasing decisions and resolutions. Assists Maintenance, Repair and Operations Purchasing Agent in capital equipment research. In preparing on-site contracts, gives detailed attention to contractual safeguards including: confidential agreements, insurance requirements, safety training requirements, workmanship warranties and work references. Facilitates coordination of workload among Purchasing Assistants if applicable. Continuously improves the cost effectiveness of the purchasing process by searching for less costly materials, services and supplies. Recommends to user departments new or different materials and revised designs which present the opportunity to obtain better quality and/or a lower cost. Supports the plant cost reduction process by identifying cost reduction opportunities by such means as soliciting competitive bids, realigning supplier base and researching potential cost reductions. Expedites and defers deliveries to optimize plant goals, warehouse storage, Just-In-Time (JIT) requirements and emergency needs. Reviews purchase order acknowledgements and makes independent decisions on purchase order variations based on sound purchasing practice. Audits purchase requisitions, determines appropriate order quantities and price breaks and selects proper shipping methods. Also, selects best source of supply, issues purchase orders, debit memos, purchase order change notices and considers special requirements. Reconciles purchase order receipt discrepancies with Receiving, Accounting and/or suppliers. This includes defective goods, overages, shortages, overcharges and freight violations. Screen suppliers, including interviewing salespersons promptly and courteously and visiting suppliers to analyze facilities and capabilities. Corresponds tactfully with suppliers to resolve misunderstandings, complaints and rejections. Ongoing internal and external contacts including: by phone, personal interview or written correspondence in obtaining quotations, negotiating prices, terms and conditions, credit/returns, expediting deliveries and replacement orders. Interfaces with sales representative, sales managers, owners and other individuals within supplier organizations. Manages a supplier base of several hundred from which thousands of different goods and various services are purchased. Advises user departments of any changes in price, procedures or materials, which would prohibit purchase. Also, keeps them apprised with respect to lead-time on critical items. Administers blanket orders, standing orders and time and materials contracts (i.e. pipe fitters, electricians, millwrights, etc.) Identifies and implements process improvements for the purchasing function. Adheres to cGMP's, SOP's and plant policies/guidelines. Must be able to visit local suppliers when necessary. Coordinates the acquisition of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as required for specific purchases. Maintains a high degree of ethical conduct at all times by strictly complying with the Company Code of Conduct. Establishes and reinforces the Company's positive image, working relationships, expectations of services, sense of urgency and mutual trust with suppliers. Initiates and/or attends meetings to represent Purchasing and assist in problem solving with teams and groups such as Engineering, Manufacturing, Accounting, IT, Receiving, etc. Perform other related duties as assigned or required. Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications: Technical background includes having a working knowledge of mechanical and electrical functions and industrial building materials, ability to read and understand technical drawings preferred. Must demonstrate the ability to work with minimum supervision. Must understand cost implications of their actions. Must demonstrate understanding of technical terms and their application (Law of Agency, contractual obligations, patents and copyrights, JIT, transportation terminology, etc.). Must understand and utilize departmental and interdepartmental relationships to optimize the acquisition of support goods and services. Tact, sensitivity and good negotiating skills are necessary. Must be a self-starter with good analytical, communication (oral and written) and proficient computer skills (excel, word). Must have working knowledge of manufacturing fundamentals and good business practices. Education and Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age. Associates degree with 2 years of Purchasing experience OR a High School Diploma or equivalent with 4 years of Purchasing experience. Maintenance, Repair and Operations Purchasing preferred Experience with ORACLE and iProcurement preferred. Experience in a regulated industry preferred. Physical Requirements and Work Environment: Has multi-million dollar annual purchasing responsibility with the authority to commit individual purchases up to $300,000. Analyzes situations to prevent production line shutdowns which negatively impact production cost. Resolves issues involved with quality, cost, specifications tooling, documentation, scheduling and other problems associated with Plant personnel and suppliers. Must attain desired results from groups over which he/she has no authority by using logic and sound negotiating abilities. Obtains necessary technical training to adequately serve Engineering and Maintenance. Work is performed in an office environment. Typically requires travel less than 5% of the time. **Title:** *Technical Purchasing Assistant* **Location:** *TX-Austin* **Requisition ID:** *24300786*