Supply Chain Category Specialist

Primary Work Location

Lincoln, NE

Overview

Facilitate, organize, and execute the purchase of materials and services through administration of purchase orders. Prepare and administer purchase orders to achieve quality, cost and delivery requirements; resolve differences in terms. Help implement corrective actions necessary to maintain a reliable, cost competitive, supply management environment. Help expedite and uncover problems associated with purchase orders placed with suppliers; and support other personnel in the department as needed.

Professional Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree in business or related field, or equivalent knowledge and/or experience is required.

Experience

• Experience in supply chain activities is preferred but not required.

• Experience in receiving, shipping, accounts payable, documentation, configuration management or any other business related activities which allows you to understand the manufacturing processes and flow of materials is preferred to support this position.

• Familiarity with ERP, MRP, and Quality control systems preferred.

• Demonstrated computer literacy is required.

General

• Ability to meet the Physical Requirements of the position.

• Excellent communication (verbal/written), interpersonal, organization, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and/or as a member of a larger team.

• Must be dependable, cooperative, and have good attendance.

• Ability to exercise discretion and sound decision-making.

• Demonstrated ability for attention to detail accuracy in all aspects of work.

• Possess sound business understanding and technical acumen for assigned categories.

• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard software applications such as Microsoft Word.

• Capable of learning and using the ERP, MRP, and related quality assessment systems, and other software that may be used in this position.

Position Responsibilities

SPECIFIC

Sourcing and Supplier Relationship Management:

• In collaboration with others, research, source, and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, capacity, production capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.

• Solicit, obtain, evaluate, and compare pricing of parts, materials, and services using the Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quote (RFQ) and other methods as appropriate. Recommend options and alternatives in collaboration with Category Manager.

Purchase Order Management:

• Facilitate, organize and execute the purchase of materials, equipment, and services as assigned in the respective Category to achieve quality, cost, and delivery requirements. May include orders that require Outside Processing. Ensure accuracy, clarity, and completeness.

• Review acknowledgements for agreement with purchase orders and resolve any discrepancies with the supplier to optimize LI-COR's position.

• Maintain sufficient and proper product supply/inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted and timely supply of products and services.

• Execute all purchase orders (Vendor Actions/Expedites) directly with Suppliers and resolve order placement problems in deliveries, invoicing, shipping and specifications.

• Process all internal requisitions as assigned; remediate all issues with requisitions.

• Analyze and communicate price changes; collaborate with other Supply Chain members to mitigate price increases.

• Commit funds and spending based on direction of Supply Chain Management.

• Manage purchasing record keeping process to meet procedural requirements.

• Collaborate with internal departments to optimize LI-COR's buying position.

• Verify receipt of items by comparing items received to items ordered; resolve shipments in error with Suppliers.

• Authorize payment for purchases.

Quality Management

• Directly address and resolve all part quality problems and corrective actions.

• Implement corrective actions with supply base to maintain a reliable, cost competitive, supply management environment.

• Serve as the primary Supply Chain contact for quality issues discovered in Manufacturing, Engineering, and Incoming Inspection.

GENERAL:

• Serve as back-up in the Supply Chain department and other areas as required.

• Assist in the development of Supply Chain systems and procedures.

• Provide Supply Chain support as directed as a Team Member on New Product Teams.

• Adhere in all aspects to company ethical standards and organizational directives.

• Business travel as required.

• Other job related duties as assigned.