Associate Buyer - (Mankato, MN)

Job Functions:Position summary This position is recognized as an associate strategic buyer and is responsible primarily for the purchase goods and service for the company in an efficient and economical manner following established policies and procedures. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to accomplish material cost, availability and inventory goals Negotiate pricing, terms and annual contracts with suppliers Analyze supplier cost / pricing info and benchmark the competition Troubleshoot/analyze continuous/reoccurring quality problems and work with supplier to resolve them, in a commitment for continuous improvement Organize and facilitate product teams for issue solving, issue resolution Maintain supplier quality and delivery through assessment, evaluation and ongoing monitoring Review and analyze MRP to procure purchased components to assure timely delivery of production line qualifications