Associate Buyer

Company: Wells Enterprises (a Ferrero Company) Functional Area: Supply Chain & Purchasing

The Role With guidance and oversight, the Associate Buyer is responsible for strategically and tactically managing supplier relationships, negotiating with suppliers and executing agreements for assigned categories while identifying and developing suppliers that meet and/or exceed Wells’ expectations regarding total cost of ownership including but not limited to cost, delivery, quality, innovation and continuous improvement. This position will optimize synergies with vendors and internal customers.

What You’ll Do

• With guidance from the Sr. Sourcing Manager, the Associate Buyer is responsible for negotiating, creating and executing contracts with suppliers through formal and informal RFP and/or bidding processes, in alignment with spend authority guidelines.
• Identify, modify and/or develop and implement processes or process enrichments that streamline or improve internal or external workflow and align with company policies.
• Responsible for managing the Total Cost of Ownership by collecting data, analyzing, problem solving, recommending, communicating and executing accordingly.
• Managing the day-to-day business relationship with key suppliers and internal customers through supporting activities including ordering, communication of demand/volume/delivery time changes, issue resolution, sharing end-user feedback, and follow up on back orders etc.
• Assist Accounts Payable Department in the reconciliation of invoices. Engage and coach originating departments accordingly.
• Oversee and approve MROP part number requests through the New Item Request (NIR) system. Review all databases and cross check for duplication. Maintain purchasing data (i.e. lead times, payment terms and pricing) and recommended supplier on each item while ensuring commodity performance.
• Develop strategic sourcing strategies for categories and items responsible for – align sourcing strategies with broader Wells organization.
• Responsible for knowledge of and compliance with applicable corporate policies and procedures and Code of Conduct.
• Develop a strong understanding and knowledge of suppliers and their capabilities, core competencies, strengths and weaknesses.

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What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing preferred and/or an equivalent of 2 years procurement experience.
• Minimum of 2 years’ full-time professional experience in a purchasing environment.
• Knowledge of purchasing and supply chain.

Good effective communication skills (both oral and written) and presentation skills.

• Ability to effectively negotiate. Problem Solving, quantitative skills, attention to detail and decision-making talent.
• Must be able to work across all functions and levels of an organization. Proven project management skills and demonstrable process implementation ability
• Reports to: Sr. Sourcing Manager
• Direct Reports: N/A
• Indirect Reports: N/A

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Wells Enterprises is an EEO/AA employer M/F/Vet/Dis

Wells Enterprises, a Ferrero company, is one of the largest ice cream manufacturers in the United States and the maker of well-loved brands including Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics and today Trolli, Butterfinger 100grand, Baby Ruth, Nutella and Kinder Bueno.

Wells Enterprises is a $2 billion company employing 4,000 employees, across four production plants and two main hub locations, Chicago and Le Mars. Guided by innovation, quality, and a people-first mindset, Wells is committed to delighting consumers and developing exceptional teams.

As part of the Ferrero Group, Wells combines its strong U.S. heritage with Ferrero’s global standards of excellence, offering a unique opportunity to grow within a dynamic, values-driven, and international environment.

At Wells, our people - and their experience - sit at the heart of our ambition. Learn more at www.wellsenterprisesinc.com.

What We Offer

At Wells, we’re proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual incentive bonus based on Company performance. Learn more about our benefits here.