Description
The Purchasing Agent is responsible for strategic and tactical procurement activities to support project execution tailored to meet customers' industrial process requirements. The person in this role purchases products and services at a competitive cost, with quality and delivery level consistent with company policy and performance standards. Development and implementation of procurement strategy involves a high degree of collaboration and communication with Engineering, Project Management, Finance, Manufacturing, Quality and other Supply Chain areas.
· Responsible for managing "Requests for Proposal"/"Request for Quote" process for steel fabrication from requisitions prepared in Oracle ERP by engineering and designers. Common examples include solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, solar inverters, trackers, and energy storage equipment.
· Prepare and issue purchase orders and change notices for materials, services, supplies, and miscellaneous expenses.
· Lead supplier qualification efforts and negotiate supplier agreements. Build strong relationships with suppliers and conduct reviews of performance.
· Analyze proposals to determine the best proposition, and negotiate any questionable items with successful supplier, prior to placement of purchase order.
· Obtain a great level of knowledge and a fundamental understanding of commercial terms and conditions.
· Research and develop new suppliers to improve supplier base. Develop relationships with network of suppliers and manage the material delivery schedules to ensure on-time execution and superior quality.
· Negotiate with suppliers to support purchasing goals of lowest possible cost balanced against optimum quality, scheduling needs, and on time delivery.
· Assist on an as-needed basis to investigate and resolve supplier claims and payment discrepancies.
· Identify and support initiatives to reduce and/or contain cost, improve material flow, evaluate capacity, and manage quality.
· Serve as the primary interface with Operations to resolve any outstanding vendor/supplier issues.
· Communicate requirements and updates to internal customers, and interface with Project Management and Shop personnel to provide order status updates.
· Maintain running log of backorders and continuously review for expedite and alternative sourcing solutions, in support of critical customer requirements.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or technical oriented field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience as a Buyer/Purchasing Agent desirable
- 3+ years' experience in Solar/Renewables preferred
- Experience in ERP systems with Oracle is a plus
- Experience using Microsoft Office
- Strong analytical and negotiating skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Babcock and Wilcox Company
13024 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Suite 700
Charlotte
North Carolina United States
www.babcock.com
