Buyer

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We're all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren't just slogans on our walls. It's the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It's the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Buyer, you will be responsible for the strategic approach to purchasing assigned products for POET Design & Construction and as needed, POET Bioprocessing. You will maintain vendor relationships, negotiate the best value for POET, perform strategic analysis and decision-making, become highly knowledgeable and ensure appropriate risk management through thorough execution. The Buyer's role is to provide as much value to POET through negotiation and critical thinking as possible.

This role is part of a strategic hiring initiative to add over 20 new team members to support our growing organization

This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Supporting multiple CapEx projects in tandem, at different points in their lifecycle by conducting RFIs, establishing vendor pool, conducting RFQ or RFP for high-critical projects within the CapEx portfolio.
• Drives long-term strategies to generate supply chain improvements and efficiencies.
• Supports strategies and processes to ensure project timelines, on-time deliveries, and project execution within expectation of project criteria.
• Leads, negotiates, and administers contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives to drive best value.
• Evaluates and monitors contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and effectively manages deviations from agreement in a timely manner and professional manner.
• Establish, supports, maintains risk management strategies.
• Researches and evaluates suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
• Fostering relationships with strategic suppliers to create innovative and collaborative partnerships.
• Reviews and analyzes records of items purchased, costs, delivery, product performance, and inventories to drive continuous improvement.
• Resolves vendor or contractor issues and claims against suppliers.
• Monitors and initiates improvement projects to current processes or policies.
• Collaborates with the POET Bioprocessing team members to ensure specifications and quality expectations continue to be met.
• Partners with other procurement staff to ensure accurate and timely delivery with excellent customer service to our bioprocessing facilities and construction projects.
• Since we're all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Degree in business or technical field and 1-year related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• C.P.M. certification preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• History of supporting capital expense and/or project procurement efforts.
• Prior experience negotiating and executing contracts.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• Great interpersonal skills, possessing a high degree of professionalism and customer service.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills to include complex analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic and changing environment.
• Eager to learn and change the world.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Up to 30% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, meetings, and site visits. At times, overnight travel may be required.
• This position operates in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand. Most of our Sioux Falls office workspace consists of an open-concept design intended to promote open communication and collaboration.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member's position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

BENEFITS
For eligible team members

• Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours available on day ONE!
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

OTHER PERKS
For eligible team members

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person - mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.