Senior Capital Equipment Buyer Manufacturing

INDUSTRY: MANUFACTURING, Transmissions ORGANIZATION: Borg Warner Automotive Muncie, Indiana Reports To: Manager, Nonproduction Purchasing BASIC FUNCTION: Responsible for placing purchase orders for new and used equipment and machines. This includes identifying and developing qualified suppliers which meet division standards. DIMENSION: Annual purchases between $5 and $20 million. NATURE AND SCOPE:

The position reports to the Manager of Nonproduction Purchasing and is responsible for establishing and maintaining a capable supply base for capital equipment. Responsible for placing purchase orders and controlling costs of purchased capital equipment and service through: use of negotiations, market tests, and design and/or process changes. The individual must have good inter-personal skills; because this position will interact with all levels of management both inside the company and outside in supplier company organizations. Working closely with Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Finance, Quality Assurance, and cost improvement committees. At the appropriate time, the individual must take whatever actions are required when a supplier problem threatens the company production or projects. The Senior Capital Equipment Buyer must be resourceful and protect the company's interests balancing both short-term and long-term requirements. Provide the company with a well-rounded industry knowledge in capital equipment. Travel will be required to various supplier locations. These trips are necessary both to become familiar with different manufacturers and to meet and develop a rapport within supplier organizations. This position is authorized to commit division funds based on Purchasing Procedure PO30B. The Senior Capital Equipment Buyer will perform assigned administrative duties involved with capital equipment and will assist the Nonproduction Purchasing Manager as directed toward the achievement of department and company objectives. The Senior Capital Equipment Buyer assignment is a training ground for those individuals with the potential to be considered for promotion to a Purchasing Manager position.

To be successful in this position, a person must have a sound business understanding, good organizational and leadership skills, read blueprints, good mathematical aptitude, a good mechanical aptitude, must be able to operate a personal computer using software such as Lotus 1-2-3, have a thorough understanding of the NPII system, and have knowledge of quality assurance philosophies, practices, and techniques. He/she must be a self-starter able to work without close supervision, understanding what needs to be done, and taking the required actions. Each capital equipment request has characteristics that require different tactics and the person must be able to read each situation and act accordingly.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Performance will be measured by the individual's ability to: 1. Professionally place purchase orders to meet program and production schedules, while maintaining good supplier relationships. 2. Control the cost of purchased capital equipment within budget and generate cost reduction/avoidance plans. 3. Attain a level of equipment knowledge and to attain a level of awareness of manufacturers' operations as they pertain to the company. 4. Professionally resolve problems (both internal and external), in a fair and ethical manner. 5. Excel in all aspects of the buying assignment. 6. Adequately perform assigned administrative duties and demonstrate appropriate leadership skills.