The Buyer I evaluates requisitions for custom nonstandard items, conferring with technical personnel on specifications and possible alternatives; determines the best sources of supply; awards purchase orders; works with supplier regarding all material deliveries and then works with departments to complete purchases in accordance with company and government regulations.Responsibilities and Tasks (listed in bullet format) in order of priority to be successfulDetermine best sources of supply from knowledge of supply base, product performance and capabilities. Obtain quotes from suppliers negotiating for optimum pricing, quality, delivery schedule and terms and conditions.Maintains and utilizes commodity knowledge and market conditions to reduce component pricing. Establish preferred suppliers and initiate expectations and activities to enable cost reduction from the suppliers.Works with respective material planner to identify cost reduction opportunities from the future planned order release. Awards purchase orders in a timely manner to support the Program schedule needs as well as department metrics and Company goals for inventory turns.Serves as liaison between Company and supplier regarding all changes in or problems with material deliveries to meet production schedules. Actively seek assistance of other departments to insure fulfillment of the purchase order.Interface with Program Management and/or production/material planning personnel to coordinate efforts to obtain material deliveries no earlier or later than required for production. Request assistance from interfacing departments to assist with completing purchases in accordance with company and government regulations.Coordinate the resolution to supplier problems with interfacing departments. Interview supplier representatives and keep abreast of product technology/life cycles and supplier status.Participate on and lead continuous improvement activities. Support attainment of Process Based Leadership Scorecard Goals.Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.