POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Senior Buyer/Planner
DATE:
7/18/14
FLSA:
EXEMPT
APPLICABLE EXEMPTION(S):
NON EXEMPT Professional
SOFTWARE, EXEMPT
DIVISION/DEPARTMENT:
Manufacturing Operations
REPORTS TO:
Director, Operations
LOCATION:
Olympus Respiratory America d/b/a Spiration, Inc. in Redmond, WA
PURPOSE/SUMMARY
Conducts activities related to the sourcing, negotiating of contracts, procurement and control (i.e. receiving,
movement and transactions, shipping, etc.) of materials, equipment and manufacturing-associated services
at Spiration. Is responsible for selecting, reviewing and evaluating suppliers and developing partnerships with
key vendors. Solicits bids and awards contracts for a wide variety of capital, technical and non-technical items
and materials within written Spiration guidelines, Olympus Corporation of the America’s (OCA’s) policies and
applicable regulations. Provides guidance and training to internal departments concerning purchasing
processes and procedures.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Identifies sources, initiates and negotiates contracts, selects vendors and executes Purchase Orders
(POs) for equipment, raw materials, assemblies, construction and manufacturing-associated services
and evaluates quotations, bids and proposals.

Negotiates adjustments with vendors involving replacement of equipment or materials not
conforming to purchase specifications, cancellations/termination of contracts and/or POs and
preparation of contract amendments and/or Document Change Notices (DCNs) as required.

Reviews and edits requisitions, DCN’s, drawings/ specifications, requirements and recommends
changes and/or substitutions if needed.

Creates procurement schedules.

Coordinates with Planning and Finance Department to establish goals for inventory levels and other
financial targets.

Participates in cross-functional efforts with Supplier Quality Management to select, review and
continuously evaluate suppliers. Manages strategic supplier partnerships in order to achieve quality,
delivery and cost objectives. Develops second source suppliers to reduce business risk.

Participates in the planning and implementation of improvement systems (i.e. use of Kanbans,
backflush, Demand Flow Technology (DFT), supply chain management strategies, etc.) to minimize
WIP/working capital and cycle times, and maximize responsiveness to customer needs.

Creates solutions to material availability and scheduling challenges resulting from unplanned events
such as product failures, part shortages, sales increases beyond forecast and fluctuations in product
yields.

On an ad-hoc basis (as part of the back-up team): Performs duties required with receiving of freight
and routing to appropriate areas; Ships products or materials requested by internal customers or HUD
shipments; Supports the release of work orders, pulling materials and chemicals, cycle counts and
inventory for physical year end.

Adheres to general safety rules, manufacturing procedures, company policies and procedures, Good
Manufacturing Practices, and FDA regulations.

Performs other miscellaneous duties as requested or assigned.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES (IF ANY) – Optional section
None.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the, education, knowledge,
skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform the essential functions.)
EDUCATION
 B.S. or B.A. or equivalent required. Manufacturing or Supply Chain Management curriculum optimal.
Evidence of continued learning efforts preferred.
EXPERIENCE
 8+ years related experience (material planning, supply change management, contract negotiation, etc.)
within a highly regulated industry required (FDA, aerospace, military or similarly complex manufacturer).
 Class III medical device manufacturing company optimal.
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES
 APICS certification(s) in Certified in Integrated Resource Management (CIRM) and Certified in Production
and Inventory Management (CPIM) are desired.
SKILLS, ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE
 Proven sophisticated contract negotiation and relationship building skills required.
 Solid analytical and math skills also required.
 Six Sigma, LEAN or TQM experience preferred.
 Advanced computer skills including sophisticated Excel skills a must. Access, Visio, Powerpoint,
MRP/inventory control/supply chain management software strongly preferred.
 Sophisticated skills in supply chain management and material planning a must.
 Must be highly and effectively organized.
 Must also be a flexible, self-starter, team-oriented, and capable of multi-tasking.
 Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters, and
skillful at fostering collaborative relationships across all lines of the company.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequently Lift/Carry 25 lbs
Microscope/Fine close work 8 hrs a
day
Vision requirements correctable to
20/20 vision
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Chemicals/Solvents
Infectious Disease exposure
Radiation
Frequently Push/Pull
50+ lbs
Bend/Stoop/Kneel 2 hrs a day
Stand/Sit/Walk 8 hrs a day
Dexterity required
Operate moving vehicles
Other
Clean Room
Laser
ETO exposure
Eye Protection
Noise above 85 decibels
Other
Spiration d/b/a Olympus Respiratory America is an
Equal Opportunity Employer
P a g e |2
Sr. Buyer/Planner.140927