The Buyer will review/create purchase requisitions and create/maintain purchase orders in line with MRP messages to meet the factory plans created by the Production Planning Team while minimizing inventory and production shortages. The Buyer will interface between the procurement, inventory/warehousing, production, planning, category managers, customer service and technology personnel, and will be the primary contact with vendors ensuring supplier performance is measured and corrective actions completed.Essential functionsJob duties to include but are not limited to;Create purchase orders in line with the Production Schedule to meet production and customer requirementsParticipate in shop floor reviews to ensure that material availability is clearly communicatedIdentify supplier delivery issues, develop alternatives/contingencies and communicate them to key stakeholdersImplement materials management strategies and drive raw material inventory reduction to achieve inventory turn goalsRoutine measure Procurement Process Performance/KPI’s: Supplier Performance, Supplier OTD, PO’s overdue, Invoice overdue, etc.Use best practice techniques to determine effective lot sizing for raw materialsUse best practice techniques to determine effective safety stock and re-order point levels and update accordinglyUse best practice techniques to determine and effective communicate and maintain lead-times in the planning systemTo develop and communicate material recovery plans when shop floor output falls behind the planAddresses issues associated with purchase price and quantity variances to ensure timely payment of invoices or return of merchandise.To support the Material Review process (MRB) and execute transactions in a timely mannerProvide support and best-practices to develop global and local purchasing processesProvides supply chain reporting and analytical support as neededParticipate in continuous improvement initiatives to develop and support the purchasing activities of the Supply Chain Management teamComplying with all relevant legal requirements & Smiths policies and procedures, including business ethics, data protection and health & safetyOther duties assigned.   
