Buyer II

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Plymouth, MN site, supporting our Electrophysiology Medical Devices team. In Abbott’s Electrophysiology (EP) business, we’re advancing the treatment of heart disease through breakthrough medical technologies in atrial fibrillation, allowing people to restore their health and get on with their lives.

Supporting our new product introduction, and working with minimal direction, the Buyer II purchases raw materials, sub-assemblies, products and services in conformance with approved purchase orders at the lowest cost consistent with considerations for quality, reliability of source and urgency of need.

The Buyer II provides support for all basic aspects of purchasing including but not limited to vendor negotiations, vendor analysis, cost reductions, utilization of the purchasing system, expedition of orders and vendor relations.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Negotiates long term contracts which are not managed by the commodity management teams, within established limitations and scope of authority to obtain the most favorable business partnerships, including but not limited to quality, availability and cost.

Plans and schedules deliveries to optimize inventories in support of production schedules / business demands by working with forecasting data / teams, planning teams, commodity teams and shipping / receiving teams.

Reviews purchase requisitions and confers with vendors to obtain product information such as price, availability and delivery schedule, reviewing quotes for accuracy and competitive strategies.

Facilitates vendor corrective action and partners with SQE and suppliers to improve quality.

Recommends pricing strategies to achieve department operating goals.

Creates and maintains mutually beneficial long-term partnerships with suppliers to foster feedback and continuous improvement, usually being the single source of contact for the vendor.

Investigates and recommends new vendors

Monitors supplier performance, communicates and takes action to maintain high levels of supplier performance.

Maintains and updates supplier databases as required.

Performs data analysis to proactively plan or resolve issues.

Works with inventory management / warehouse management to resolve issues.

Lead special projects as requested to reduce cost, increase efficiency, etc.

May process some or all of the following : rejected components / corrective action, returns, debit memos, etc.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor degree in Business, Supply Chain or equivalent experience.

3-5 years of experience in purchasing / commodity management.

Experience negotiating terms and purchasing agreements.

Ability to work in a highly matrixed and geographically diverse business environment.

Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Ability to leverage and / or engage others to accomplish projects.

Strong verbal and written communications with ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels in the organization.

Multitasks, prioritizes and meets deadlines in timely manner.

Strong organizational and follow-up skills, as well as attention to detail.

Ability to travel approximately 5%, including internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

3 years working in a highly regulated environment preferred.

At least 3 years working with purchasing / commodity mgt. software.

Experience working in a broader enterprise / cross-division business unit model preferred.