Dairy Farmers of America

Sr. Purchasing Specialist

Dairy Farmers of America  •  Rensselaer, NY (Onsite)  •  3 hours ago
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Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE
Perform all phases of order/purchasing activities with a limited degree of supervision. Acquire materials, supplies, and
services and place purchase orders for goods that have standard costs and quoted discounts already in place. Check
and process purchase orders/requisitions; review information to ensure it is complete, accurate, and that order
parameters are clear and understood. Monitor systems to determine purchasing requirements. Review opportunities for
new supply sources and suitability of materials offered. Demonstrate full proficiency with purchasing activities, ensure
good purchasing practices, and function as a resource for team members with less experience.


JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Prepare and review requests and assist with payables, purchase orders, and invoices
• Contact management or department representatives to clarify or obtain additional information
• Maintain inventory items at predetermined levels to serve operations and administration
• Maintain organizational flow of stockroom, parts, and supplies to aid in locating supplies and eliminate ordering
unnecessary supplies
• Coordinate and perform cycle counts on inventory
• Monitor and report results for monthly tracking
• Determine whether products have been received, receive and review accompanying documents, and forward to
appropriate accounting group for payment processing
• Establish, develop, and maintain positive vendor relationships and educate vendors regarding company
purchasing policies and procedures
• Research products and services, obtain accurate and complete price and delivery information, and determine
best source for various purchases based on price and availability
• May negotiate pricing (to be reviewed by supervisor); look for ways to minimize costs (e.g., consolidate
purchase orders to minimize freight costs) and present to supervisor
• Research equipment and supplies for non-stock item purchases
• Purchase non-inventoried items/supplies and maintain monthly records for corporate
• Track status of orders and report delivery issues to affected management
• Respond to requests for emergency orders, and contact vendors to expedite orders when necessary
• Identify problems and issues, such as poor product quality and quantity shortages, communicate with vendors,
and follow through to ensure problems are addressed
• Respond to, investigate, and resolve purchasing-related inquiries, concerns, complaints, and problems
• Create, compile, and maintain necessary documents for internal and external individuals (e.g., management,
accounting, auditors)
• Communicate purchase order procedures, changes, and directives to staff in order to ensure the smooth and
accurate flow of information
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee,
but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as require

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 to 4 years of purchasing or related experience
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Skill in proficient computer usage
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Good negotiation skills
• Able to provide solutions to problems in situations that are atypical or infrequently occurring based on practice
and existing precedents or procedures
• Able to use discretion to modify work practices and processes to achieve results or improve efficiency
• Able to make decisions in a timely manner, sometimes with incomplete information or under tight deadlines
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to work independently under limited supervision
• Able to adapt and manage change effectively
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Dairy Farmers of America

About Dairy Farmers of America

At Dairy Farmers of America, our 19,000 employees work with one goal in mind – to bring value to our family farm-owners.

As a farmer-owned cooperative, DFA offers rewarding jobs across the nation in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, accounting, communications, marketing, economics, on-farm field services, and more.

We value our employees and reward them with competitive benefits, a supportive working environment, and growth opportunities. We capitalize on the strengths of each individual and ensure that each employee is challenged in their role. Through Dairy University, employees receive online training and job enhancement, classes. Employees also have the opportunity to grow within DFA.

We also want our employees to live a healthy lifestyle and offer a health and wellness program that provides access to online classes and materials tailored to help our employees make healthier choices, as well as an Employee Assistance Program that helps employees with legal and health issues, such as advice on parenting or stress management, and free counseling sessions.

At DFA, we understand that our employees provide value within our organization and in our community. We cultivate a culture of openness, transparency, and integrity where employees are encouraged to voice their opinions and share their ideas. We also believe we have a responsibility to give back the communities in which we operate and work to do so through the DFA Cares Foundation.

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is an equal employment employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, females, veterans, and disabled individuals.

Industry
Food & Beverage
Company Size
5,001-10,000 employees
Headquarters
Kansas City, KS
Year Founded
1998
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