Job Title: Buyer
Location: Durham, NC
About the Company:
IPS Corporation is a global, market-leading provider of Water and Flow Management Solutions and Specialty Adhesives Solutions for applications where failure is not an option. Founded in 1954 in Los Angeles, CA, IPS began by producing clear cements for laminating acrylic sheet for aircraft canopies. We were first to produce reliable cement for use with PVC, CPVC, and ABS pipe and fittings, and first to introduce plastic recessed washing machine and ice maker outlet boxes. Since then, we have expanded our offering to more than 10,000+ products and solutions across multiple fast-growth industries such as residential and commercial construction, irrigation, pool & spa, marine or industrial manufacturing.
Today our industry leading products are proudly manufactured at facilities throughout the world and available through a nationwide network of customer-focused distributors. We offer premium brands, world-class customer service, seamless processes, and a global supply chain. IPS, through its three operating companies, operates 13 manufacturing plants in the US, Europe and China supporting sales to over 85 countries.
IPS Corporation is a portfolio company that is part of Centerbridge Partners. Centerbridge Partners, L.P. is a private investment management firm employing a flexible approach across investment disciplines — private equity, private credit and real estate — in an effort to develop the most attractive opportunities for its investors. The Firm was founded in 2005 and has approximately $36 billion in capital under management with offices in New York and London. Centerbridge is dedicated to partnering with world-class management teams across targeted industry sectors and geographies. For more information, please visit www.centerbridge.com.
About the IPS Adhesives Division:
IPS Adhesives (IPSA) is a global supplier of adhesive and related solutions to a wide variety of markets. For over 70 years, IPS Adhesives has invested in product innovation, that provides specialized bonding solutions that are shaping the future of leading-edge assembly and construction design. Our brands are trusted worldwide by kitchen, bedroom and bathroom fitters, sign and display assembly operations, structural partners working in transportation, construction, boat building and more. Through these innovative performance and environmentally conscious-led solutions, we believe we can also help improve the lives of people working in these industries for generations to come. For more information visit www.ipsadhesives.com.
About the Role:
The Buyer has the primary responsibility of ensuring material availability to support the production schedule and customer demand. Other responsibilities include managing inventory levels, supporting material/product level revisions, interacting/coordinating with suppliers on a variety of topics, and supporting other business functions as required. Role will be performed onsite at the Durham, NC location with standard shifts from 6:00 am -4:30 pm Monday through Friday and periodic Saturday work. This is a salaried exempt-level role and not eligible for overtime.
Primary Responsibilities
- Place purchase orders with suppliers for the procurement of production material as required by forecast and the production schedule.
- Monitor status of open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery of all materials, including timely resolution, communication and mitigation of future potential problems.
- Expedite or defer orders as required based on schedule/inventory changes.
- Determine and establish optimal inventory levels based on forecast, demand variation and material lead times.
- Coordinate material flows throughout product/BOM changes, obsolescence, and the introduction of new suppliers and/or materials due to new product development.
- Manage the inter-company flow or materials between warehouse locations.
- Manage and resolve issues regarding PO to invoice discrepancies, returns and quality problems with suppliers.
- Provide back-up support for supply chain functions and other duties as assigned.
- Setup & maintain material master system planning parameters (MOQ, lead time, safety stocks).
- Participate in the Lean Journey. Develop / Implement PFEPs for purchased items and manufactured items. Pull based replenishment processes for purchased items.
- Collaborate with internal customers and provide a high level of customer service, including recommending solutions, resources, and alternative supply options.
- Ensure and promote compliance to Company and Procurement policies and procedures.
- Role may require limited travel to suppliers of high spend items.
Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in a buyer role while working for a direct manufacturer.
- Must possess a strong bias for action with the energy and drive to achieve improvements.
- Strong organizational skills are required.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
- Working knowledge of JDE(E1), Basic Lean Principles.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills (English is required), and proven people and organizational skills are required.
- Comfortable negotiating and coordinating with suppliers via phone.
- Ability to internalize performance metrics, and exceed expectations is required.
- Monitor supply chain KPIs, perform root cause analysis, implement action plans / corrective actions, and drive for continuous improvement.
- Must possess strong analytical skills and be willing to own projects.
Education
- BS/BA in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics or similar preferred.
Licenses, Certifications, Credentials, or Other Requirements
- ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management) CPIM or CSCP is a plus.
Our Offer
We're a rapidly growing midsized company with a customer-centric mentality operating fast and lean. We think big, embrace problem solving, and believe our proven business system gives us a competitive edge in the markets we play. Through experience in this role, mentoring and via formal instruction, we will grow your career and develop you based off your strengths and interests.
A career with IPS Corporation will push you and challenge you, providing growth opportunities and the prospects to advance your career. If you are a driven performer, you will work with committed, like-minded people, giving you the support to reach your full potential.
- Competitive Compensation Package
- Insurance Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Voluntary Benefits - Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident
- Basic Life Insurance with Dependent Coverage Optional
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Vacation and Sick Leave
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development Opportunities
