Buyer Associate

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Applicants must be eligible to begin work on the date of hire. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. ARKANSAS BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD will NOT sponsor applicants for work visas in this position.Arkansas Blue Cross is only seeking applicants for remote positions from the following states:Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Job SummaryThe Associate Buyer secures bids on assets, supplies, services and contracts, while considering quality, price, service and vendor qualifications. Incumbent researches, evaluates, assesses, and implements the purchase of new products that are deemed corporate standard items. This includes bid analysis and contract review. Customer support services, maintenance, and problem resolution is also expected of incumbent.

Requirements

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree. In lieu of degree, five (5) years’ relevant experience will be considered.

EXPERIENCE

Experience in procurement or purchasing/buyer.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & ABILITIES
Strong Interpersonal Skills
Oral & Written Communication
Buyer Representation
Procurement Negotiations
E-Procurement
Procurement Operations
Procurement Contracts
Procurement Practices
Professional Etiquette
Problem Solving
Highly Organized
Self-Motivation
Time-Oriented

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

SkillsDetail-Oriented, Group Problem Solving, Interpersonal Relationships, Managing Deadlines (Inactive), Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Oral Communications

ResponsibilitiesAssists the purchasing system administrator by monitoring activity, troubleshooting, and conducting testing for system upgrades and enhancements. Provides end-user training, upon request., Defines the internal users’ business needs, researches, obtains quotes, negotiates terms and recommends the best product or service by staying abreast of overall market conditions and price trends. Coordinates purchase orders, distribution and inventory. Coordinates the sell or disposal of excess supplies and assets. Obtains bids from external sources, selling to the highest bidder. Leads sourcing events for customers (individuals and project groups). Collaborates with Manager on policy creation and enhancement. Assists Account Payables in reconciliation of purchase orders and invoices to ensure timely payment to vendors. Development of internal supply and service catalogs., Performs other duties, as assigned., Travels for product research and purchases, auto fleet management purposes, vendor trade shows, business conferences and training as required, estimated 5%., Works collaboratively with Corporate Marketing, Printing Services, internal customers, and others to provide branding and consultative services. Meets with vendors to view products, establish business partnerships and performs vendor vetting process.

Certifications

Security Requirements

This position is identified as level three (3). This position must ensure the security and confidentiality of records and information to prevent substantial harm, embarrassment, inconvenience, or unfairness to any individual on whom information is maintained. The integrity of information must be maintained as outlined in the company Administrative Manual.

Segregation of Duties

Segregation of duties will be used to ensure that errors or irregularities are prevented or detected on a timely basis by employees in the normal course of business. This position must adhere to the segregation of duties guidelines in the Administrative Manual.

Employment TypeRegular

ADA Requirements

1.1 General Office Worker, Sedentary, Campus Travel - Someone who normally works in an office setting or remotely and routinely travels for work within walking distance of location of primary work assignment.