Buyer – Senior (Aftermarket)

San Diego, CA

Headquartered in San Diego, California, U.S.A., Solar Turbines Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is a leading manufacturer of industrial gas turbines with more than 11,800 units with over one billion operating hours in some 93 countries. Solar Turbines’ products include gas turbine engines (rated from 1590 to 30,000 horsepower), gas compressors, and gas turbine-powered compressor sets, mechanical-drive packages and generator sets (ranging from 1 to 23 megawatts). As the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Solar has a global network of offices and facilities to support customers with a variety of service products and programs as well as an experienced technical support team. We currently have an opening for a Senior Buyer.

Provides leadership for sourcing, logistics and resource management decisions working closely with other functional disciplines within the Aftermarket, PSO, and TMO organizations. Demonstrates leadership in recognizing the potential for cost and inventory reductions, and quality improvements. Work with Engineering, Planning and Logistics for the timely release of orders to the supplier. The buyer is responsible for cost reduction activity and cost management for commodities.

Responsible for processing/managing purchase orders and contracts, lead-time reduction, resolving chronic supplier delivery issues, and resolving discrepant material issues. Maintain system data and documentation that supports the purchasing processes, SOX, and ISO.

Maintain data accuracy in the BAAN system (e.g., ensure cost information accuracy, part set-up, lot sizes, etc).

Participates in Six Sigma teams

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree –OR- equivalent progressive experience with appropriate certifications (such as APICS, CPM, and/or CPIM).
• Minimum of 2 years experience as a Buyer.
• Experience with technical buying in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Basic blueprint reading skills, understanding of Demand Management and understanding of
• Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Project management/leadership skills required with the ability to work across business units (cross-functionally) and at multiple organizational levels preferred.
• 6 Sigma Green Belt preferred.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Well-developed negotiation skills, analytical, problem solving and decision - making skills and critical/strategic thinking skills required.
• Ability to interpret, analyze and negotiate contractual cost elements with an understanding of applicable business & contractual laws.
  Influencing skills (ex: Ability to build consensus and maintain diplomacy in high pressure situations).
• Interpersonal, collaboration and team skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Organizational and administrative skills and the ability to multi-task.
• Understanding of ethical business practices, business acumen, professionalism and a customer focus.
• Willingness & ability to train and mentor others.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high volume business under stressful conditions focused on company goals and delivery to customer need.
  

Solar Turbines offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vacation, 401k, pension, incentive bonus, tuition reimbursement and more.

Solar Turbines is an equal opportunity employer.
Solar Turbines conducts drug screens and background checks.

Please visit our website www.solarturbines.com for more information about our company.

Apply online: www.quick-apply.com and enter job code 22385011

April 9, 2008