BUYER PURCHASING

Buyer Purchasing

Location : Kohler, WI

Opportunity

Under the general supervision of the Manager-Purchasing Gas Engines Americas, the Buyer will develop and manage assigned spend categories and associated supply base to achieve best total cost of ownership, maintain compliance with required product quality and performance specifications, and provide consistent on time delivery in support of Kohler Engine Division manufacturing operations in North America.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

• Actively initiate cost reduction programs and collaborate with suppliers, Kohler Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Material Planning functions to meet implementation timelines.
• Request and review quotations for new and existing components. Consult with Engineering and Quality Assurance regarding specification and deviations.

Recommend alternative materials or methods based on knowledge of market availability.

Develop and deploy category strategies for assigned spend, and participate in global strategic planning for those spend areas spanning multiple Kohler Business units.

Provide solutions, alternatives and ideas to improve commodity group, and drive long term value creation for the business.

• Utilize problem solving techniques to evaluate issues and effectively resolve disputes between departments or suppliers.
• Write, analyze, and issue various weekly, monthly, and annual reports and status updates.
• As required, and in conjunction with the Materials Planning function, follow-up and resolve late delivery issues, ensuring proper handling and delivery of rush orders.
• Reconcile accounts payable and billing discrepancies, arrange and approve credit for non- conforming parts.
• Support Material Planning function as required to establish and maintain supplier stocking programs, VMI, consignment inventory and Kanbans.
• Maintain direct material standard cost files.
• Review all Engineering Notifications and Change Requests covering areas of responsibility.
• Create and maintain purchasing related documentation and records in accordance with Procurement Policy guidelines.
• Acquire and maintain knowledge of trends and market / industry intellegence for assigned spend categories.
• Initiate timelines and adherence measurements to project goals; building and driving teamwork across functional areas in support of the value added, value engineering activities of the business.
• Perform other duties as assigned i.e. meetings, team assignments, special projects etc.
• Ensure adherence to applicable product compliance requirements including but not limited to the Clean Air Act, California Code of Regulations and California Health and Safety Code.

RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS

Supervisory Relationships :

Reports to the Manager-Purchasing Gas Engines Americas

Organization Relationships :

• Has frequent contact with Design Engineers and Test Room personnel at all levels with regard to product revision.
• Has frequent contact with Material Planning personnel at all levels with regard to procurement and delivery of material.
• Has frequent contact with Quality Assurance at all levels with regard to discrepancies, rejections, and acceptance of purchased goods.
• Has minimal contact with Legal Department personnel concerning contracts and correspondence where questions arise.
• Has moderate contact with Accounting Department personnel at all levels within the Division relative to standard and factory costs.
• Has moderate contact with Accounts Payable in matters of supplier billing, terms, discrepancies, etc.
• Has frequent moderate contact with Receiving Department personnel and Traffic personnel.

External Business Relationships :

Frequent contact with any outside supplier or potential supplier either nationally or internationally.

Skills / Requirements

• Bachelors degree with strong concentration in Business Administration and Supply Chain Management.
• 1-3 years of purchasing experience.
• Will consider more experienced candidates for higher level positions

Skill Preferences How You Can Stand Out

• Manufacturing background
• SAP experience

Kohler Co.'s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services.

We understand that it takes investment in our associates development to make that happen. So, we offer ongoing investment in each individuals personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler.

In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more!

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities.

We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at .

It is Kohlers policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability or veteran status.

If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.

com . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer.