Job Description

Basic Job Functions

• Responsible for obtaining bids and placing orders for supplies, materials, services, and equipment.
• Negotiates pricing and delivery with key vendors, supports supplier development activities to established guidelines and in a cost-efficient manner.
• Define sourcing strategies and managing contracts, conduct RFQ/tendering and cost comparison analysis.
• Responsible for assuring Purchasing Orders are placed and timely deliveries
• May delegate work to, and oversee work of, up to two Buyers.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing the commercial relationship between First Solar and its key local suppliers with full compliance to company’s code of conduct.
• Responsible for processing purchase orders according to established guidelines and in a cost-efficient manner.
• Responsible for negotiating pricing and other terms with assigned suppliers to improve product cost, reduce First Solar inventory, and improve cash flow.
• May negotiate and place Purchase Orders for significant capital equipment purchases.
• Independently investigates new suppliers for improved price, delivery and quality.
• Participate in and may lead supplier selection, qualification, evaluation, and re-evaluations for new and current suppliers
• Responsible for managing inventory levels of assigned materials.
• As required, expedite or de-expedite deliveries and change scheduled quantities to meet changes in production or requirements, including working with Logistics to schedule and arrange timely and cost-effective deliveries.
• Notify suppliers of changes in specification and obtain their approval prior to implementing the change.
• Notify suppliers of quality discrepancies in their incoming material; with internal and supplier experts, support the identification of root cause and assure corrective action; and assure material disposition is appropriate dealt with.
• May work with engineering to modify or finalize specifications
• Maintains effective communications levels and fosters team building.
• Adheres to all First Solar internal processes and procedures, including safety, SOA, ISO9000, ISO14000, and housekeeping standards.
• May perform Commodity Management functions on some items, including development of strategic relationships and negotiating long term supply agreements.
• May travel, including internationally, to critical suppliers.
• Supplier relationships are maintained and improved.
• Failure to perform responsibilities will have a significant impact on First Solar production and, ultimately, financial performance.

Experience:

• 2+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Some experience directing the work of other buyers is preferred.
• Ability to identify and engage local supplier base for best purchasing results for First Solar.

Education:

• BE/B-Tech/Degree in Purchasing or related fields or equivalent.

Required Skills

Behavioral:

• Motivated, focused and target driven individual
• Proven organizational skills – ability to prioritize.
• High level of skill demonstrated in managing suppliers and supplier relationships.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
• Has thorough knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the Purchasing field.
• Knowledge of engineering data bases and managing specification changes with suppliers.
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
• Flexibility to work as per different time zones, based on requirement.

Technical:

• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office or equivalent.
• In depth knowledge of ERP systems-SAP/Oracle systems.
• Broad knowledge of techniques used in negotiating cost reductions along with terms and conditions with suppliers.
• Experience in managing Procure to pay Cycle

Physical Requirements (if any)

• Required to sit for long periods of time during the day.
• Will walk and climb stairs.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist.
• Required to lift up to 25 lbs.
• May, kneel, stoop, talk and hear.
• Required to use hands to handle, carry or feel objects.
• Specific vision abilities are required