RAW MATERIALS BUYER - Mars Retail Group (formerly Ethel M Chocolates)

JOB CATEGORY Logistics/Transportation RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE 2+ to 5 Years CAREER LEVEL Experienced (Non-Manager) EDUCATION LEVEL High School or equivalent COMPANYMars Retail Group RAW MATERIALS BUYER - Mars Retail Group (formerly Ethel M Chocolates) RAW MATERIALS BUYER At the center of our chocolates are great people like you! Mars Retail Group, a division of Mars, Inc. is seeking a RAW MATERIALSS BUYER at our headquarters located in Henderson, Nevada.  Reporting to the Plant Operations Director, the Raw Materials Buyer is responsible for the professional and efficient procurement all Co-manufactured items and food items to support Retail Stores and Raw Materials required for the production of Gourmet Chocolate Scope of this position includes ensuring best value for money through searching/selecting/qualifying/utilizing qualified suppliers in a wide range of industries, contracting and negotiating for goods using “Lowest Total Cost” strategies, and insuring that clients are satisfied with the results. Responsibilities:1) Ensure that the Client & Company receive the proper quality at the best value for money.  This includes:·  Maintaining a solid knowledge base of the industries from which goods can be purchased.·  Proactively utilizing and managing the Corporate Partnerships to their fullest capabilities.·  Utilizing available resources across all Mars SBUs to help locate and establish new sources for materials and services needed.·  Influence marketing, R&D and plant operations to use alternate materials specifications as well as alternate sourcing strategies in order to deliver lowest total cost of ownership.·  Perform duties and administer decisions as necessary, to insure professional department functioning in the absence of the Purchasing Manager.·  Execute purchasing activities and resolve issues with clientele in order to deliver goods as needed, on time, at lower than market prices.·  Coordinate details of ordering activity between client and supplier(s), and reconcile any discrepancies in the ordering activity that may develop.·  Negotiate and administer contracts.·  Identify opportunities to reduce cost/improve quality, then recommend, develop, and implement programs to capitalize on those opportunities.·  Proactively and creatively identify alternatives to meet the needs of internal clients.·  Maintain integrity of the ManMan Purchasing System and support launch of SAP.·  Responsible for Vendor Assurance (In accordance to Mars standards) for all new and existing suppliers.·  Interact accordingly with Activity Management Team in order to resolve situations, or gather information for client’s needs.·  Evaluate vendor performance and influence vendor to take corrective action where necessary.·  Execute “Requests for Quotations” obtaining competitive bids for goods and services.·  Maintain purchase order files and blanket orders.·  Support key North American/Global Commercial Initiatives. 2) Create and maintain a competitive environment by understanding suppliers processes, quality procedures and costs by reviewing suppliers:·  Inventory control process and procedures.·  Labor and equipment utilization and efficiencies.·  Asset utilization analysis.·  Project timeline graphs and charts to assure on-time delivery·  Maintain and update Commodity Strategies using input from Mars Food Commodity Buyers. 3) Understand and follow policies and procedures as follows:·  Follow all GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices)·  Follow all OSHA regulations.·  Adhere to ISO 9000 guidelines for procurements of goods and services.·  Understanding of how the Uniform Commercial code and ISO 9000 Standards dictate policy on purchasing laws and activities.·  Latitude exists in how requirements are met, with Purchasing Procedures, Standard Commercial Code of Ethics, and The Five Principles of Mars providing guidance.·  Serve as lead in sustainable business practices with regards to raw material usage.  Knowledge & Skill Required:·  Understanding of the Supply Chain·  Excellent organization habits·  Excellent negotiation skills on all levels·  Familiarity with all plant operations on an above average knowledge basis·  Strong analytical skills; ability to “unbundle” costs and assess value for money.·  Must be self motivated to seek and uncover areas for improvement. (Efficiency, productivity, root-cause analysis)·  Able to make decisions and accepts responsibility for actions.·  Must be self-starter and able to execute tasks without direct supervision. Minimum Qualifications:·  2 years purchasing experience.·  Posses excellent mathematical skills.·  Demonstrated proficiency in ManMan and Microsoft Office applications.·  Availability for 15% local travel·  Undergraduate Degree in Business preferred·  APICS, AMA and or NAPM sponsored course completion preferred Company-paid relocation assistance is not available for this position. To apply, please visit www.ethelschocolate.com/careers for the link to the Mars.com online application process. As a privately-held, family-owned company, Mars North America offers benefits which reflect our commitment to attracting and retaining great people. This includes excellent pay, competitive health, dental and vision care coverage, 401(k) plan with up to 3% match (100% vested upon enrollment), bonus plans, and unrivalled career advancement opportunities, to name just a few of our unique and generous benefits.If you're looking for a place where you can take ownership for your work, where the pace is fast, the environment is built around the importance of open communication, and where employees are "associates" and treated as such, then we want to hear from you. We value a diverse work environment and encourage qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, gender and age. Mars North America is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.Please, no agencies.  EOE, M/F/D/V   We value a diverse work environment and encourage qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, gender and age. Masterfoods USA is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.