Buyer

Location: Gilbert, AZ or remote

Job Description: 

Due to our exponential growth we are seeking a skilled and experienced Buyer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in purchasing in a production environment that is growing in demand and will have extensive experience in Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems. The candidate must be willing to work in-office, and to contribute to a dynamic culture. 

Responsibilities: 

• Vendor Management: Identify, evaluate, and select reliable vendors and suppliers for pharmaceutical ingredients and supplies. Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with vendors to ensure favorable agreements.  
• Procurement: Source and purchase pharmaceutical raw materials, chemicals, and other necessary ingredients. Maintain optimal inventory levels to meet production demands while minimizing excess stock.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that all procured materials meet quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements. Collaborate with quality control teams to conduct supplier audits and inspections.
• Cost Management: Monitor and control costs associated with procurement, striving for cost-effectiveness. Identify opportunities for cost savings and negotiate pricing with suppliers.
• Order Processing: Generate purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner. Track and manage order fulfillment to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to foster collaboration and reliability. Address and resolve any issues or discrepancies in a professional manner.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated on relevant regulations and ensure that all procurement activities comply with industry standards and legal requirements. 
• Collaboration with Pharmacy Team: Work closely with pharmacists and production teams to understand current and future material requirements. Coordinate with internal stakeholders to align procurement activities with production schedules.
• Risk Management: Identify and assess potential risks in the supply chain, implementing strategies to mitigate disruptions. Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen issues impacting the procurement process.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and organized records of procurement transactions, contracts, and supplier information. Generate reports on procurement activities for management review.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in business or related field 
• 2+ years of experience as a Buyer 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in business or related field 
• 5+ years of experience as a Buyer (minimum 2 years in a cGMP manufacturing environment)
• NetSuite or similar ERP experience

Required Skills & Experience: 

• Technology Proficiency: High level of proficiency in Excel and ERP/MRP software to manage procurement activities. 
• Vendor Management: Strong relationship-building skills to maintain positive and collaborative partnerships with suppliers. Experience in Vendor Scorecards, KPI’s, and QBR’s ensuring vendors meet Strive’s expectations. 
• Negotiation Skills: Proven track record of strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and pricing. 
• Organizational Skills: Effective organization and multitasking abilities to manage procurement activities for various locations simultaneously. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with multiple locations, vendors, and internal teams. 
• Analytical Skills: Analytical mindset with an ability to establish and assess demand, pricing structures, etc. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including pharmacists, production teams, and logistics, to align procurement activities with the needs of each location.
• Supply Chain Management: Understanding of supply chain dynamics to optimize inventory levels, minimize lead times, and ensure timely deliveries to multiple sites.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address issues such as supply chain disruptions, quality concerns, and logistics challenges that may vary by location. 
• Risk Management: Proactive approach to identify and mitigate risks associated with procurement, logistics, and supplier relationships across multiple locations. 
• Regulatory Compliance Knowledge: Up-to-date knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations to ensure compliance in procurement activities. 
• Cost Management: Skill in managing costs effectively, considering regional variations and optimizing procurement strategies for cost savings.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Willingness and drive to seek opportunities for process improvement and efficiency enhancement across the procurement function for multiple locations.