Strategic Commodity Buyer - Chandler, AZ

Chandler, AZ, US, 85225

Job ID:  476819

Exempt

Oldcastle Infrastructure™, a CRH company, is the leading provider of utility infrastructure solutions for the water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America. We’re more than just a manufacturer of precast concrete, polymer concrete, or plastic products. We’re a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers, and more. With our network of more than 80 manufacturing facilities and more than 4,000 employees, we’re leading the industry with innovation and a safety-first mindset.

Job Summary:

The Strategic Commodity Buyer is responsible for purchasing specific direct materials, effectively managing material inventory, and ensuring that supply commitments/business needs are met.  The Strategic Commodity Buyer supports plant operations to clarify needs, evaluate and/or determine suppliers, generate/place orders and manage ongoing supplier interactions on behalf of the plant operations. The incumbent will work with Sourcing leaders to identify and implement alternate sourcing and cost savings opportunities for critical commodities and services. As a key member of the purchasing team, the incumbent will execute on the group, and corporate objectives within the Business Performance team including Purchasing Matrix compliance, and Centralized Procurement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with plant operations and ERP to effectively purchase and arrange delivery of specific direct materials.  This is achieved through demand review and direct communication with site/Area via S&OP practices.

• Work with plant operations to clarify specifications, establish source alternatives, increase standardization and otherwise increase value related to purchases.

• Collaborate with plant teams to establish economic order quantities for direct materials.

• Ensure that purchasing decisions and strategies are aligned with the business strategic supply chain objectives.

• Monitor/research order history of similar products purchased to evaluate/track differences in costs, delivery, quality and performance.

• Be familiar with the supply chain (manufacturing, distribution, delivery, use, service and disposal) related to the products and services being purchased.

• Support alternate source development for critical commodities to support competitive cost structure within the IPG business unit.  Working closely with the Sourcing team to provide them needed data or supplier insight.

• Facilitate the approval process for draft purchase orders, and in certain cases based on factors such as purchase amount and/or complexity, provide subject matter procurement review and approval.

• Monitor supply partner performance and drive Supplier Corrective Actions (SCARs) when required.

• Work with the supply chain group and plant operations to follow proper contract management practices with key suppliers and support the development of contracts for local/company specific vendors, as necessary.

• Assist plant operations and the supply chain group to perform tests and demonstrations of products to evaluate value, compare results and/or identify alternatives and to ensure that supplier commitments are met.

• Work with Sourcing Team/CRH Commodity Teams to track market conditions, pricing trends, and opportunities to maximize purchasing value.

• Support the vendor data management/vendor master maintenance processes through adherence to established payment terms and identifying the need for new or updated data information.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with 3 or more years of business, purchasing, operations or related experience. 

• Experience working with P2P systems, databases/data warehouse applications, ERP systems and / or Microsoft Office applications required. 

• Experience with procurement tools, processes, and systems. 

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar certification desired. 

• Experience in manufacturing, building materials, mining or construction sectors would be beneficial.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements 

• Demonstrated commitment to achieving the organization's goals and objectives.

• Ability to work effectively with others.

• High ethical standards.

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

• Strong negotiation skills and ability to work with suppliers.

• Ability to perform multiple tasks effectively with a focus on timeliness and responsiveness.

• Ability to drive change and sell new concepts and approaches through persistence, self-motivation, energy, tenacity, follow-through, and commitment.

• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).

• Understanding of procurement’s impact on financial results.

• Display a professional and courteous attitude to co-workers, supervisors, and the general public at all times.

• Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as required. 

What CRH Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• A culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of large international organization.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!

Oldcastle Infrastructure, a CRH Company, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability--If you want to know more, please click on this link.