Buyer

About the role

Thank you for your interest in Mueller Water Products, Inc. For more than 165 years, Mueller Water Products, Inc. has been building the future of water infrastructure. From lifesaving fire protection to data intelligence, we are committed to developing products and solutions that help cities and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North America. Our purpose is to connect communities to water, life's most essential resource, with exceptional, people solutions and products. Behind that purpose is a dedicated team, united by our shared values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion and safety. With a vision to be the leader in water infrastructure solutions-solving challenges, enriching lives and safeguarding the future-we are making a positive impact that will last for generations. By joining Mueller, you become part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and innovation, working collaboratively to achieve meaningful results. We champion our people because when they succeed, our communities thrive. We invite you to learn more about career opportunities with us and consider submitting your application. Buyer Position Summary: The Buyer II provides and supports critical functions including purchasing and inventory control. The Buyer II works daily with supply chain and manufacturing to support lean inventory and procurement strategies for purchased material. The Buyer II main responsibility is ensuring all purchased materials, goods and services in support of the planned business needs and master production schedule. The Buyer II reports directly to the Materials Manager. Essential Responsibilities: Responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies from suppliers. Evaluates supplier quotes and services to determine most desirable suppliers. Maintain day to day communication with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery, system data integrity, and ordering parameters for individual materials. Maintains ideal inventory levels to ensure on-time deliveries, while maximizing turns, and minimizing carrying costs. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Understand the dynamics of effective teamwork in order to attain higher levels of performance. Demonstrate a commitment to engage teams in other departments or divisions of the organization. Understands and clearly demonstrates fluency in commercial components of supplier agreements. PFEP Making materials flow fluency, value added/cost of ownership reductions, and landed cost. Skilled in Make vs. Buy analysis. Ability to create and follow Standard Work processes on a daily basis. Adapt to system/technology changes as well as use of current systems. Financial acumen (i.e. understanding lot size, inventory vs. set-up costs) Operate with a sense of urgency, and distribute time sensitive and accurate data Strong time management and organizing skills. Identify roadblocks in material/information flow; ability to manage exceptions. Required Skills: Bachelor's degree, business or supply chain, or equivalent job experience Minium of 8 years professional supply chain experience Supervisory experience a plus Experience with global suppliers Exposure to LEAN methodology and LEAN manufacturing environment Experience with contract reviews and negotiations Enterprise-sourcing purchasing systems (ERP) - JDE E1 a plus Exposure to logistics, warehousing systems Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications Advanced computer skills and proficient with Excel, Access and ERP systems Travel Responsibilities: Less than 5% travel (primarily domestic, some international as required) Other Compensation & Benefits: Mueller offers an excellent salary and benefits package. Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more. Equal Employment Opportunity: Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individ