Position Description:
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for purchasing major orders of materials, tools, supplies and equipment within a specialized field requiring the exercise of independent judgement and advanced knowledge in the procurement field. Locates suppliers, solicits, bids, analyzes quotes and negotiates prices. Purchases are limited to $9,999. Purchases in excess of $9,999 require higher level of approval. Purchases raw materials, R&D items, equipment, supplies, tools, services and other items of a standard or non-standard nature, or within a highly specialized field or of a highly technical nature. Procures a broad category of raw materials, machinery, equipment, tools, supplies, parts, office equipment, outside services, and other items which are either in a highly specialized field, or involve complex considerations such as: progressive engineering change orders, material deviations, restrictive schedules, and limited sources of supply. Solicits bids, analyzes quotes, conducts cost/price analyses, negotiates price and selects or recommends suppliers in relation to specifications, quantity, quality, delivery commitment, price, past performance and personal knowledge of the supplier, government regulations, and established purchasing practices and procedures. Investigates and selects prospective suppliers and arranges and participates in meetings between suppliers and company personnel to resolve engineering and design specification, schedule and delivery requirements, supplier capability and other problems that might affect the supplier's ability to meet contractual requirements. Initiates adjustments with suppliers for replacement of materials not conforming to purchase specifications, return of material not acceptable as a result of engineering changes and order cancellations and resultant charges and credits. Locates and recommends, from an extensive geographic area, the most advantageous source of supply and recommends substitutions when specific materials are not available or when the number of suppliers is limited. Maintains an awareness of new materials, products, technical advances and sources of supply, by reviewing technical manuals and catalogs and interviewing suppliers' representatives. Has latitude in supplier selections, price and schedule changes, approval of material deviation and carrier routings. Utilizes a specialized knowledge of purchasing practices and procedures. Coordinates the activities of lower level personnel as required.