Indirect Buyer

About Us

As a family-owned company, it’s the people who continue to make STIHL a successful, world-class brand.  Since revolutionizing the forestry industry in Germany with the first electric chainsaw in 1926, the STIHL name has remained synonymous with outstanding innovations, high-quality products and comprehensive service.

STIHL is seeking a highly motivated Buyer to join Team STIHL in our Virginia Beach, VA location! With competitive compensation, excellent benefits and exciting growth potential, it's a great time to join the STIHL team.

Company Benefits Include:

• Multiple bonus opportunities with potential annual merit increases
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Onsite Health & Wellness Center for employees and family members
• Company Paid Short & Long-Term Disability
• Company provided Life Insurance
• Fully vested after 5 years Pension Plan
• 401k Plan with employer match
• Vacation, & Sick time with 11 paid holidays

About You

This person will be responsible for the purchase of the moderately complex goods, materials and services. Ensures that the company’s operational needs are met, taking into account the total cost of ownership (TCO), quality and delivery and to ensure continuity of supply in accordance with corporate directives, policies and best practices.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Purchase goods, materials, components or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets.
• Responsible for the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) working as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments within the organization to purchase sample parts for part approval and release related to engineering changes and in support of new product development activities.
• Conducts market research for new suppliers as needed, materials, components and services. Develops competent suppliers to provide high quality materials and innovative solutions by preparing bids, proposals, or other informational requests. Analyzes supplier quotations, assessing financial stability, capacity, quality and manufacturing capabilities of suppliers.
• Negotiates contracts, improves prices and terms of business conditions with suppliers and reviews opportunities to generate cost savings utilizing negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods.
• Provides input to and prepares should cost models to analyzes costs contributing to Value Analysis (VA) and Value Engineering (VE) activities.
• Engages with suppliers regarding material problems, such as delayed deliveries, product quality, invoicing issues, etc., and works to pro-actively resolve issues.
• Visits supplier locations to negotiate prices, review and analyze operations through audits, and check quality, evaluating short-term and long-term capacity and ability of suppliers to meet STIHL requirements.
• Maintains records and documentation pertaining to past activities, order specifications, supplier specifications and performance histories, etc. and provides information to management as needed.
• Works with Accounts Payable to ensure timely payment of conforming materials received and return/rework of materials that are defective. Approves invoices for payment.
• Tracks industry market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers and maintains currency with respect to technical and professional skills by attending training classes, special technical and administration courses, seminars, exhibits and trade shows as needed.

Specifications

• Degree/Diploma in related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred - Supply Chain Management, Business, Accounting or Engineering
• 3+ years of related experience
• Experience with SAP ERP or equivalent ERP systems.
• Understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP).
• Able to build and maintain effective and productive relationships with staff, stakeholders and suppliers.
• Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations in a high volume, high mix manufacturing environment.
• Analytical, numerically astute with strong demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication, negotiation, interpersonal and influencing skills.