The Purchasing Analyst – Finished Goods position will require advanced knowledge and experience in the areas of global sourcing, supplier development, supplier production forecasting/planning, 3rd party logistics, global trade (import/export) compliance, ERP data management and accuracy, and advanced analytics. This role will require close interaction with managers to identify, develop, and implement strategic plans for the purchasing of packaged finished goods. In addition, this role will be responsible for supporting day-to-day operational procurement, managing commodities and supplier relationships, maintaining ERP data integrity to support accurate planning and inventory management, and driving customer fill rate performance through proactive supply management, on-time delivery execution, and strategic expediting of critical materials and finished goods. The position will play a key role in minimizing supply disruptions, reducing backorders, and ensuring product availability aligns with customer demand and service level expectations. Other areas of responsibility include financial modeling, supplier/market research, and fact-based negotiations.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
You will be responsible for day-to-day operational management of purchasing activities in support of K&N’s overall strategic objectives, including:
- Support in the development and management of inter-departmental strategic purchasing and product development initiatives
- Support in the identification of new supply sources domestically and globally
- Manage the day-to-day operational purchasing and supply requirements of assigned commodities
- Monitor upstream supply chain risks, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 supplier constraints, to proactively mitigate disruptions impacting supply continuity and customer fill rate
- Develop and implement effective key strategies to control and improve product costs
- Work to interface, maintain or improve supplier relationships
- Support customer fill rate objectives through proactive vendor and shipment management, strategic expediting, inventory control, and management of inbound deliveries to ensure the right product is available at the right time while maintaining balanced inventory levels and minimizing excess stock exposure
- Support interfacing K&N departments in facilitation of US Trade Compliant documents, processes, and procedures
- Perform landed cost analysis and support sourcing and logistics decisions through evaluation of freight, duty, tariff, and total supply chain cost impacts
- Maintain familiarity with global trade compliance requirements and understand the operational and financial implications of import/export regulations, tariffs, country of origin, and customs compliance in the supply chain
- Support in the analytics of supplier and logistics data (cost, quality, on-time delivery)
- Maintain ERP data integrity and accuracy related to purchasing, supplier information, inventory, lead times, pricing, and planning parameters to support effective supply chain planning and operational execution
- Partner with Sales to communicate forecast changes, upcoming demand initiatives, and potential supply constraints or delivery delays to ensure alignment on customer commitments and service level expectations
Work Enviornment:
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Fast-paced with multi-level challenges and competing priorities
- Professional, casual work environment
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Office environment with involvement on warehouse floor as required
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Willingness to work extended hours as required
Experience, Skills & Education:
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Relevant bachelor’s degree or 3-5 years’ experience in Purchasing & Logistics (globally a plus)
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Strategic mindset and forward-thinking capabilities
- Strong organization skills and demonstrated ability to simultaneously handle multiple duties, prioritize, follow through on all tasks and projects, and meet pre-determined deadlines
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Proven negotiation skills
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Ability to use sound judgment and reasoning skills to determine when to escalate issues, as required, in a timely manner
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Ability to demonstrate professional verbal and written communication skills with internal and external customers
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Drive to work towards a state of constant improvement and not rest on historical practices and designs
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Consistently demonstrate a positive company image to K&N customers
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Comply with safety and corporate guidelines on business ethics
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Exposure to Microsoft Excel (Data Analytics)
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Skilled in Project Management
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
