Date Posted:     06/09/08

Reference:         Job No. 08-112

Location:           Tustin, CA                    

BUYER

SUMMARY: 

The Buyer will procure a variety of materials, goods and services essential to the company’s operating needs through evaluation of suppliers’ abilities and negotiation and administration of purchase orders; striking optimum balance between cost, quality, delivery and supplier service.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Utilizing extensive experience in procurement best practices, facilitate the acquisition of highly complex technical parts in a cost-effective and timely manner.  Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively with other employees, customers and suppliers. 

REQUIRED:

·         Help assure continuous operations of facility and equipment by providing required materials, goods and services with quality, price and service essential to operating departments.  Purchases are typically of a technical or specialized nature, requiring ability to analyze a variety of technical problems and interpret drawings, schematics and/or other documentation.

·         Keep abreast of market and product developments to provide purchases which may involve:  specifications that, in technical terms, detail the required physical, optical, mechanical, chemical or other comparable properties; special testing prior to acceptance; grouping of items for lot bidding and awards; specialized processing or packaging requirements; etc.

·         Assure supplier compliance with (1) quantity, (2) specifications, (3) quality, (4) delivery, and (5) price, by negotiating to improve the company’s position and by monitoring and following-up the transaction.  Buyer must secure and evaluate supplier performance on all purchases.

·         Offer advice to company personnel on improving operating techniques by maintaining awareness of company procedures, products and processes and relating them to newly developed tools, materials, devices, equipment, products, etc. which may reduce costs or improve company efforts.

·         Assure good supplier relationships, willingness to cooperate in case of emergencies and continuous flow of pertinent data and advice by establishing and maintaining open lines of communications with qualified suppliers.

·         Procure items consistent with specifications, in a timely manner and at a competitive cost, by evaluating and selecting capable suppliers and developing alternative sources.  Also, prepare and issue quotation requests, conduct price analysis and negotiate terms, conditions and delivery schedules.

·         Locate sources of supply for unique or custom items, secure supplier performance, understand and interpret technical specifications, and negotiate for the precise product or service required at the right price and quality with the right delivery date.  Deal with complex delivery schedules and maintain appropriate documentation.

·         Intelligently act upon inquiries and purchase requests through maintenance of a complete library of literature, specifications, catalogs, etc. containing information on prices, availability, delivery, and sources.  Maintain files to support procurement actions, justifying the price paid and source selected.

·         Must work well as a team member and have the ability to develop effective working relationships with other employees.

·         Work independently and handle changing requirements.  Must be able to handle multiple (and sometimes conflicting) priorities.

·         Work effectively with co-workers, customers and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions; addressing others in a respectful manner, and respecting the diversity of our team members in actions, words and deeds.

·         Perform other related job duties as directed.

PREFERRED:

• To perform effectively in this position typically requires a college degree in business administration or a CPM or equivalent experience plus 5-7 years of professional procurement experience. 
• Knowledge of markets, products and technology associated with precision optics and/or precision machined mechanical components are preferred.
• Knowledge of standard purchasing practices, Federal Acquisition Regulations and strong analytical, evaluative and interpretive skills are also required. 
• Possess skills in both written and oral communications to clarify, disseminate and interpret purchase requirements to suppliers.  Ability to use the Purchasing Module of LWO ERP system
• Must be a self-starter and able to take charge of tasks, responsibilities and special projects.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to meet commitments and schedule requirements, as well as being available during regular working hours as required to interface with customers, suppliers and other employees.
• The selected applicant may be subject to a security investigation, which requires meeting eligibility requirements for access to classified information.  A security clearance maybe required to maximize business opportunities by participating in the preparation of classified proposals (customer RFP's and RFQ's) and permitting attendance at classified meetings at which new business opportunities are identified.

PERFORMANCE METRICS:

·         Procure materials, goods and services essential to the company’s operating needs.

·         Evaluation of supplier’s abilities.

·         Negotiation and administration of purchase orders.

·         Striking optimum balance between cost, quality, delivery and supplier service.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Company Information:   LightWorks Optics, certified in ISO 9001:2002, is an employee-owned dynamic, high technology company, engaged in the engineering, fabrication, integration and testing of precision optical systems for use in space, aerospace, medical and commercial applications.  LightWorks was founded on high ethical standards, placing integrity, excellence, its people, its customers, and a creative environment as its highest priorities.

We offer our employees an informal, supportive, flexible and people-oriented environment which nurtures and encourages creativity, growth and innovation.  Our company emphasizes the involvement of all employees in the management process and provides an environment of fulfilled potential to its team members.  We seek employees who will find challenge and excitement in the contributions they can make to the organization.

LightWorks Optics is conveniently located between the 5 and 405 freeways (at Jamboree) in Tustin (Orange County), Southern California.  Due to technology protection requirements, all employees of LightWorks Optics must be U. S. Citizens or U. S. Permanent Residents.  LightWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits:  LightWorks Optics offers competitive salaries and benefits for all employees.  Benefits for full-time employees (pro-rata or partial benefits for part-time employees) include 3 weeks vacation, medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, FSA options, 401(k) and employee stock ownership plans, performance bonus plan, employee assistance program and an educational assistance program.  

Contact Information:  Qualified applicants please forward resume via e-mail to hr@lwoptics.com.  If e-mail is unavailable, please mail resume to:  LightWorks Optics, Attn: Human Resources, 14242 Chambers Road, Tustin, CA 92780.