Buyer / Senior Buyer

Set Your Future IN MOTION

Manitou is purposefully committed to you, its people. We continue to elevate our success based on a “One United Team” focus that enables our purpose-driven and agile work environment. We pride ourselves in fostering a work-life balance that allows flexibility in people's day-to-day lives. In an era when talent is in-demand, you will find an unwavering commitment to your personal and professional growth.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY CULTURE:

As a worldwide leader in handling, access platforms and earthmoving equipment, Manitou Group’s mission is to improve working conditions, safety and performance throughout the world, while preserving people and their environment. We design, manufacture, distribute and service products and solutions for the material handling, access equipment and compact earthmoving activities that work smarter, safer and reliably while delivering value to our customers.  Our high-profile brands include Manitou and Gehl, and we are proud of our network of 1,050 dealers throughout the world.  With sales in 140 countries, our team of 4,500 people are committed to delivering exceptional customer satisfaction.  We operate in more than 30 global locations to ensure proximity to our customers and services tailored to their needs.

Manitou continues on the forefront of innovation driving the green transition while also streamlining our operations guided by our customer-centric “New Horizons” roadmap. We are committed to providing safety and unique customer experiences worldwide. In sharing the same mission and values, our workforce remains engaged and passionate about what we manufacture and services we provide.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

Under the supervision of the Materials Planning Supervisor , establish and maintain effective and ethical business relationships with suppliers for all types of materials, supplies, services, and equipment required by the Manitou Company. Must be able to manage vendors and parts (70%) in order to ensure on-time delivery of goods and services that meet all our quality requirements at the best possible cost. 

Perform a key role as the subject matter expert (SME) for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (30%) ensuring all users are appropriately skilled and comfortable to navigate company tools effectively.  The key member will work with leadership to promote alignment with strategic initiatives, as well as identify needs for knowledge sharing which includes developing, implementing and communicating company objectives.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Locate suppliers capable of supplying needed materials, supplies, services, and equipment that satisfy quality, price, and delivery requirements.
• Evaluate current and prospective suppliers in terms of quality, price, reliability, on-time delivery, and total cost.
• Develop reliable sources of supply, minimize total costs of purchased goods, and simplify purchasing operations by establishing and managing annual purchase agreements.
• Negotiate terms of annual purchase agreements, standard purchase orders, and other contracts to achieve the best mix of quality, price, discounts, and other costs.
• Analyze specifications, functional requirements, and vendor capabilities in order to assure that minimum costs are achieved.
• Maintain effective verbal and written communications with Engineering, manufacturing, Quality Control, Shipping/Receiving, and all other departments in order to perform primary responsibilities.
• Coordinate emergency actions by suppliers and all other parties to prevent and/or mitigate damage caused by delayed shipments, quality problems, changes in specifications, cancellations, etc.
• Initiate routine documentation and transactions for procurement of goods and services in accordance with approved procedures and management directions.
• Conduct required correspondence with vendors to obtain quotations, expedite deliveries, and monitor status of vendor activities, effect cancellations, and change purchase orders.
• Direct the activities of clerical personnel performing direct purchasing support functions.
• Develop and prepare reports on a periodic and “as needed” basis to reflect the status and performance level of purchasing activities, vendor progress, and other assigned activities.
• Perform on-going analysis of purchasing procedures to simplify operations of purchasing and suppliers.
• Collaborates in the development, implementation, and delivery of training programs by regular participation in training development activities, demonstrating high level of quality methods and skills in training evaluations.
• Recommend and revise material to reflect nuances or enhancements in internal processes.
• Serves as the SME for self-service customers of ERP and MRP.
• Deliver training through a variety of presentation formats, including classroom, one-on-one or e-mail.
• Collaborates with internal sites/departments to improve business processes related to employee training and product support.
• Encourage participation and open communication by providing regular feedback of new technology and processes to the users as well as upper management.

EXPERIENCE:

• To be considered for Buyer level, 1-3 years of progressive experience in purchasing practices and procedures
• To be considered for Senior Buyer level, 5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing practices and procedures
• Experience and evident skill in negotiating business and/or purchasing contracts.

EXPERTISE:

• Strategic understanding of purchasing practices/procedures
• Ability/Willingness to be an effective Subject Matter Expert (SME) in related specialties.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required
• Working knowledge of manufacturing, i.e., machining, fabrication, and assembly operations.
• Maintenance of professional skills and knowledge through personal development efforts; i.e., CPM, CPIM or CPSP certification study, seminars, and reading.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Able to work under pressure with tight deadlines
• Demonstrate ability to exercise good judgment; must be a self-motivated and have initiative
• Strong computer skills, MS Office experience (specifically Excel).
• Sound administrative skills, well-developed management skills – principles and people.
• Proven ability to mentor and motivate personnel in order to balance staffing strength with profitability and growth.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people inside and outside of the organization successfully
• Must possess excellent customer service skills, dedicated, and dependable
• Working knowledge and skills of an ERP system and related module components.
• Must be able to adapt to changing needs in an ERP system and foster change, overcome resistance and positively promote organizational objectives.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’ Degree in Business, Operations Research, or similar discipline.

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS:

• Internal communication with operations and supply chain.
• External communication with suppliers and vendors.

PAY RANGE:

• Base Pay Range between $27.40 - $37.50 per hour, plus a potential quarterly bonus based on performance metrics

                  *Actual pay determined by experience level, skills, qualifications & work location

LOCALIZATION AND TRAVEL EXPECTED:

• This position is located in Madison, SD.
• Travel up to 5%.

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OUR REWARDS & RECOGNITION:
In addition to an inclusive compensation package, we offer a comprehensive benefits program, including: Medical/Dental/Vision, 401k including employer match, tuition reimbursement, community-oriented volunteer program, wellness activities, employee and family activities throughout the year, and so much more! See for yourself why Forbes ranked Manitou within the top 125 for World’s Best Employers.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.  
Equal Opportunity Employer