Buyer/Sr Buyer

Under guidance, acts as agent for the company to source and procure materials, equipment and services that meet specifications and schedules in the most cost effective manner, taking into account price, schedule and delivery as well as past supplier performance and quality. The position involves contact with the general public, suppliers, management and co-workers.

This is a multi-level posting. Candidates may be considered for any of the posted levels, depending on their level of experience and depth of expertise.

Prepares and initiates requests for proposals (RFPs), requests for quotes (RFQs), or e-auctions using procurement's electronic sourcing tool. Analyzes straightforward. Processes assigned requisitions to ensure equipment, material and services are obtained in a timely fashion with an emphasis on quality, cost and availability. Assists and advises employees on preparing specifications, scopes of work, pricing schedules and contracts for basic and routine procurement activities including materials and services. (50%)

Issues purchase orders in accordance with company policies and procedures, obtaining and evaluating quotes, utilizing contracted selecting vendor(s) and expediting orders as required. (25%)

Follows up with new sources of goods and services identified by others and keeps current with developments in commodity areas. (10%)

Expedites purchase orders as necessary and ensures appropriate personnel are informed of status. (5%)

Provides customer assistance for any system or process sponsored by the supply chain department. This can include training to co-workers within and outside the department as well as suppliers. (0-5%)

Performs additional responsibilities as requested or assigned including work performed by Buyers or Senior Buyers. (0-5%)

This is a multi-level posting. Candidates may be considered for any of the posted levels, depending on their level of experience and depth of expertise.

Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent work experience. (Typically four years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)

One year of purchasing or financial experience with an industrial type company for the Buyer position.

Three years related experience including one year contract experience for the Sr Buyer position.

Experience with online requisitioning purchasing and inventory systems preferred.

Consistently practices effective communication skills including listening, verbal and writing skills to process information timely and accurately.

Proficient in software skills, including word processing, spreadsheets and presentation tools, as well as the oracle purchasing and inventory systems.

Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (Oracle, SAP, etc.) preferred.

Excellent interpersonal skills, a customer service focus and the ability to work as a member in a team-oriented environment.

This includes the ability to provide instruction, guidance and information to others internal and external to the company.

Effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Prefer candidate to have accredited purchasing or project management certification.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.

MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.