Buyer

In the maritime industry, where colossal ships dock, and millions of tons of cargo are moved with precision, it takes teams of dedicated individuals to keep global trade in motion. Working in this dynamic sector means that you play a part in ensuring the pulse of commerce never skips a beat, all while driving the future of supply chain logistics and marine terminal operations.

Dive into a career where your talents make an impact and help us steer the future of this vital sector. Every job function in our organization, whether it's on the docks or behind the scenes in administrative roles, finance, payroll, or IT, has a significant impact on the national economy and critical supply chain operations.

At Ports America, Buyers are responsible for purchasing materials, equipment, supplies, and services in accordance with prescribed purchasing policies and procedures. Reviews and analyzes purchase requisitions, investigating and developing sources of supplies, prepares routine bid specifications, issues bid requests, reviews quotations, and acts as a liaison between stakeholders and suppliers.

Essential Duties:

• Collaborate with regional site/terminal stakeholders in executing purchasing responsibilities.
• Secure bids on requisitions or process them for purchase; prepare bid invitations and recommend approval of bids most advantageous to the company.
• Examine purchase requisitions for completeness and accuracy of provided information necessary for the buying procedure. Collaborates with stakeholders and suppliers for clarification as needed and interprets purchasing procedures to stakeholders.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders, including (but not limited to) price, specifications, and delivery information.
• Input data into ERP and EAM systems, including contracts, supplier information updates, purchase requisitions and purchase order changes.
• Monitor and manage open purchase orders and spend information to facilitate accurate and relevant reporting.
• Understand, develop, and refine specifications for requested items, supplies or equipment working with requesting department to identify needs.
• Seek new sources of supplies for products and services as requested and secure terms favorable to the company.
• Aid with preparation and editing of contracts/documents as needed.
• Collect information from stakeholders, evaluate alternatives and make decisions based on data.
• Own assigned projects, plan out scheduled tasks and steps, and identify potential roadblocks while making and keeping schedule commitments.
• Actively identify, analyze, and implement direct and indirect cost reduction and cost avoidance to meet company cost reduction goals.
• Work on special projects and execute project plans, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related discipline




• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.




• 2+ years of procurement, purchasing, or similar experience.
• Obtain and maintain a TWIC Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating independently with minimal supervision on basic procurement issues. Escalate problems as needed with understanding of alternate solutions and recommendation.
• Skilled in both verbal and written communication including establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of purchasing practices and procedures, including negotiation and contract management.
• Ability to solve practical problems and work in a dynamic environment where limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Experience with Mainpac (Enterprise Asset Management - EAM) and/or Oracle (ERP).