The incumbent is responsible for researching and evaluating price, availability, quality, and warranties (as applicable). Places purchase orders for supplies, equipment, and services needed; keeping blanket orders in place for long lead time items, and new projects as they arise regarding inventory and new supply requirements. The Buyer meets with suppliers regularly to discuss delivery and quality issues. Works diligently to verify that all items required for production, maintenance, and packaging will arrive in sufficient timeliness to meet production schedules. Maintain minimum levels of inventoried items in order to accommodate insufficient warehouse space. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with company policies and procedures.Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:· Safety: Perform all duties within OSHA and company safety standards; wear PPE and maintain safety equipment (as applicable).· Maintain a safe, clean and organized work area.· Immediately report all accidents and deficiencies to the management.· Duties:· Identify what is required to package product on the production schedule; verify inventory needs.· Purchases all materials, equipment, supplies, and services for the plant in accordance with prescribed purchasing regulations and procedures.· Ensure all requirements are accurately entered into SAP - producing purchase orders and/or stock transfers.· Communication with vendors to order or release supplies ensuring weekly schedule demands are met on time.· Works with logistics to arrange transportation (as needed).· Check outside inventories each week as to what is warehoused at supplier’s facilities.· Place orders for items that require longer lead times such as film and caddies.· Negotiate component pricing, order, release blanket purchase orders and schedule deliveries to ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining acceptable inventory levels.· Verify physical inventory, perform root cause analysis of inventory discrepancies and implement corrective action.· Review purchasing and receiving records; process invoices in a timely manner and ensure that discounts (if applicable) are applied.· Works closely with Accounting (A/P) to ensure invoices are accurate; research and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.· Verify large swing items at period end.· Contacts suppliers on bad items and ensures that it is sent back, with the proper credit received.· Meets with vendors on a regular basis to discuss issues (i.e., bad supplies, outdated materials, new projects, shipping problems, etc.)· Keeps in contact with suppliers that have longer lead times to ensure materials are produced on time.· Receive inventory and supply requirements from appropriate supervisors on a weekly basis (as needed).· Set-up new vendors.· Is flexible to work hours beyond and/or outside regular schedule to ensure proper coverage for the position when needed. Performs duties in an independent manner with minimal direction.· General:· Must demonstrate the Jack Link’s Values: Be Real - Relationship Driven – Stewardship - Speed Matters - Self Discipline - Show Awesome Character.· Suggest improvements; continuously improve the quality of all support activities.· Adhere to all company personnel policies.· Must be able to pass a drug screen.· Regular attendance is essential.· Other duties as assigned.