Buyer

Job Overview

We’re in search of our next procurement hero. Our Buyer is the go-to person for sourcing the materials and services we need to keep production on track. They're savvy at assessing bids and awarding contracts. They will develop the standard for new products, services, and vendor partnerships. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for negotiation, they maintain strong relationships with vendors, keeping up-to-date with the latest product offerings and prices. They're not just about purchases; they're a creative force, collaborating with the Director of Operations to brainstorm ideas and strategies that keep our purchasing department ahead of the game.

Our Buyer’s role is to purchase goods, materials, components, or services while keeping a keen eye on cost, quality, and delivery targets. It’s all about ensuring a smooth supply chain so our business operations stay on track – they will be quick to anticipate and communicate any supply chain hiccups that could affect us. They will keep tabs on market trends and what our competitors are up to and make sure our suppliers are rock-solid. Researching and evaluating opportunities to trim costs is part of the gig, and they’ll have a talent for coming up with fresh, innovative ways to streamline our procurement process.

In their role, the Buyer will constantly brainstorm and develop strategies to enhance operational efficiency, boost business performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. They're skilled negotiators, adept at securing favorable terms and prices from suppliers while maintaining fairness in all dealings. Like solving a puzzle—they make sure everything fits contract specs, meets quality standards, and shows up on time. Handling supplier-rejected parts is all in a day's work, and they ensure all actions align with company guidelines and purchasing policies throughout negotiations and contract execution. Always on the lookout for new opportunities, they explore alternative sources for goods and materials to optimize procurement. When challenges arise, they're on it like superheroes, sorting out prices, quality hiccups, or any pesky invoice issues. With a commitment to Winston values and culture, they take on any additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and achieve collective goals.

Outside of the foodservice industry, we are a multi-divisional manufacturing organization that specializes in metal fabrication and electronics (like circuit boards). Our Foodservice Division is still our largest division, which helps us reward our employees with meals fairly regularly. Feeding people tends to make everyone happy, which has probably helped is to earn the certification with Great Places to Work™ for two straight years. Winston is one of three other manufacturers in Kentucky to earn it, so we can’t suck too bad.

What Qualifications Are a Must

Education: Associates Degree in related field

Work Experience: Intermediate: >5 years in related field

Here’s What It Takes To Shine

• A solid handle on technical know-how in operations and the supply chain.
• Skill in deciphering even the most complex drawings.
• Rocking those Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) at an intermediate level.
• Killer communication chops—writing and talking their way to successful negotiations.
  
  

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Purchase goods, materials, components, or services in line with specified cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Ensure the continuous supply of required goods and materials and communicate any supply problems which may pose a risk or impact on the business operations.
• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies, and supplier viability.
• Research and evaluate areas of opportunity to reduce costs where possible.
• Develop creative and innovative procurement processes.
• Develop ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, aid business performance, and work towards a strategy of continuous improvement.
• Negotiate contracts, improve prices and terms of business with suppliers, and review opportunities to reduce costs while negotiating fairly with the supply base.
• Assess and evaluate supplier chain for contract compliance, quality, and delivery expectations.
• Manage and disposition all supplier rejected parts.
• Ensure compliance with company guidelines, purchasing policies, and procedures during supplier negotiations and contract award.
• Explore alternative sources for goods and materials.
• Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery, or invoice issues.
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary.