Buyer

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do:

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​

Scope of Position:

This forward-thinking individual, as part of the purchasing team, will be responsible for the sourcing, purchasing, and managing of assigned materials and suppliers to support productions schedules and company objectives. This position works closely with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, reliable delivery, and consistent quality while identifying opportunities for cost savings and process improvements. 

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

This position reports to the Purchasing Manager. This role is onsite and is based in Hutchinson, KS.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute the purchase of materials, products and services utilized throughout the company.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships for assigned product categories, negotiating pricing, delivery schedules, and lead times for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Monitor market conditions and commodity trends that may impact material costs.
• Review inventory levels and demand requirements and work closely with Production Planning team to assure inventory aligns responsively to modified sales plans and production goals.
• Assist all areas of production with the day-to-day needs related to part shortages or concerns needed to satisfy customers on time shipments.
• Collaborate with Purchasing Manager and Quality department to develop systems to track/identify inventory and/or correct supply gaps, cost analysis, supplier on-time, quality issues, continuous improvement, etc., which can lead to a supplier assessment program (scorecards).
• Monitor and update all purchase orders to ensure that all pricing, delivery dates, QTY’s, etc. are correct and current, expedite shipments when necessary.
• Track Supplier pricing changes and maintain accurate supplier and purchasing information within the ERP system.
• Work with Accounting and Receiving to resolve discrepancies involving pricing, receiving, and invoicing.
• Generate reports related to purchasing activities, supplier performance, and inventory status.
• Collaborate with the Production Planning team to support and implement Lean initiatives to facilitate proper management and maintenance of processes.
• Maintain knowledge of and compliance with company processes, techniques, business strategy, new products, tools, equipment, etc.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of purchasing, buying, inventory control, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Advanced competency in Microsoft Excel, ERP/MRP systems.
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks, and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field.
• CPM or APICS certification
• 5+ years experience in material purchasing within a lean manufacturing environment

General Applicable Company Competencies:

• Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions:

While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be required to work in the office at the Hutchinson, KS location (Monday – Friday). Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.
   

Nothing in this job description restricts Watts’ right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is “at will,” which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.

#LIOnsite

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.