At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.
We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!
As a Buyer, you will be responsible for the strategic approach to purchasing assigned products for POET Design & Construction and as needed, POET Bioprocessing. You will maintain vendor relationships, negotiate the best value for POET, perform strategic analysis and decision-making, become highly knowledgeable and ensure appropriate risk management through thorough execution. The Buyer’s role is to provide as much value to POET through negotiation and critical thinking as possible.
This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:
Lead short and long-term projects (1-month to 6-month) for process improvements within the capex procurement team, including building new programs and optimizing existing ones.
Update and monitor the PO Tracker for capex projects to ensure project timelines are maintained.
Coordinate, monitor, and validate costing for logistics needs for capital projects.
Review and approve weekly capex project freight invoices.
Drives long-term strategies to generate supply chain improvements and efficiencies.
Supports strategies and processes to ensure project timelines, on-time deliveries, and project execution within expectation of project criteria.
Leads, negotiates, and administers contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives to drive best value.
Evaluates and monitors contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and effectively manages deviations from agreement in a timely manner and professional manner.
Establish, supports, maintains risk management strategies.
Researches and evaluates suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
Fostering relationships with strategic suppliers to create innovative and collaborative partnerships.
Reviews and analyzes records of items purchased, costs, delivery, product performance, and inventories to drive continuous improvement.
Resolves vendor or contractor issues and claims against suppliers.
Monitors and initiates improvement projects to current processes or policies.
Collaborates with the POET Bioprocessing team members to ensure specifications and quality expectations continue to be met.
Partners with other procurement staff to ensure accurate and timely delivery with excellent customer service to our biorefineries and construction projects.
Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!
Degree in business or technical field and 1-year related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
C.P.M. certification preferred but not required.
Six Sigma Green Belt preferred but not required.
Great interpersonal skills, possessing a high degree of professionalism and customer service.
Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
History of supporting capital expense and/or project procurement efforts.
Prior experience negotiating and executing contracts.
Strong strategic and analytical skills to include complex analysis.
Strong written and oral communication skills, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent organizational and time management skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.
Honest, ethical, and conscientious.
Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic and changing environment.
Eager to learn and change the world.
You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.
High level of personal integrity
Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Ability to embrace and promote change
Innovative mindset
Ability to think objectively
Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
Ability to work in a team environment
Up to 30% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, meetings, and site visits. At times, overnight travel may be required.
This position operates in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand. Most of our Sioux Falls office workspace consists of an open-concept design intended to promote open communication and collaboration.
At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.
Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
401K with company match
Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition reimbursement
Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
Discounted home and auto insurance
POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.
POET’s vision is to create a world in sync with nature. As the world’s largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts, POET creates plant-based alternatives to fossil fuels that unleash the regenerative power of agriculture and cultivate opportunities for America’s farm families. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, POET operates 34 bioprocessing facilities across eight states and employs more than 2,400 team members. With a suite of bioproducts that includes high-quality animal feed, corn oil, green asphalt rejuvenator, purified alcohol, and renewable CO2, POET nurtures an unceasing commitment to innovation and advances powerful, practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Today, POET holds more than 140 patents worldwide and continues to break new ground in biotechnology, yielding lower-carbon, more efficient renewable energy and bioproducts.
