Purchasing Specialist I

Responsible for various purchasing duties and purchase order related tasks such as purchasing parts, maintaining inventories, and working with suppliers. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Responsible for purchasing inventory items for resale and parts for production. Works with managers and staff to maintain inventories at optimal level and minimize back orders.
• Possesses a good understanding and knowledge related to purchasing transaction process (PO placement, price, and delivery, etc.). Coordinates with internal Accounts Payable staff for any associated transactional documentation.
• Works with Purchasing Manager to monitor inventory levels and manage expectations based on sales forecasting and anticipated requirement and delivery schedules.
• Assists with supplier management, such as monitoring supplier performance based on quality, cost, and delivery.
• Communicates with vendors as assigned for product revision, regulatory requirements, quality issues, pricing, lead time and remedial/corrective actions.
• Assists with import transactions such as customs clearance to oversee the import process performed by the custom forwarders and arrange ocean cargo insurance.

Additional Responsibilities include the following.

• Adherence to ISO quality standards and internal control requirements. May be assigned quality management responsibilities within the Company.

Inter-relationship Relationship of position with internal, lateral, and external groups.

Interacts with co-workers as a team member. Works with Production department for supporting components requirements. Also coordinates with Engineering department for quality control, inspection, and product/part revisions. Coordinates and assists other departments as needed. Interacts with suppliers and manufacturers.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; balance; bend and reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to climb ladders, stand, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. For the most part, ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment. Position may require extended work hours to meet or address critical business needs and/or as back up for Purchasing Manager.

GENEROUS BENEFITS:

• Base salary with guaranteed bonus and performance bonus potential
• Health benefits
• Generous 401K match
• Additional benefits

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Related Experience:

• Associate’s degree in business or related field required or professional certification in purchasing and/or inventory experience is preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of inventory/purchasing experience.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of purchasing and/or accounting, and payables processes as related to vendor criteria, responsibilities, and requirements.
• Aiphone product knowledge and understanding a plus.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of:

• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills required. Must have strong problem-solving skills and communicate persuasively. 
• Steady paced, able to work consistently with many distractions. Must be able to work within a team and independently. Must be able to maintain an organized schedule with competing priorities, executing plans within scheduled deadlines.
• Understanding of purchasing transaction processes (PO placement, PO receiving, MRP for parts, and overseas purchases), and associated policies and procedures. Willing to participate in Institute for Supply Management (ISM) activities and pursue credentials for professional development in the purchasing field.
• Japanese language is a plus (not required).
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint) with knowledge of standard CRM Database package and other software programs used within the company.
• Acts in ethical and professional manner at all times with colleagues, customers, and vendors, representing the highest standards of Aiphone behavior.
• Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.
• Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.