Buyer, Spot

At Lhoist North America, our core values of Respect, Courage, and Integrity are more than words.  We respect people, encourage courageous innovation, and uphold integrity in everything we do. If these principles resonate with you, you may find your next great opportunity with us.

We believe our people make the difference. That’s why we invest in talent by offering meaningful opportunities to grow your skills, expand your knowledge, and pursue your interests. Our work environment prioritizes safety, fosters collaboration across teams, and embraces inclusion. Here, you’ll be challenged to grow, and you’ll be supported throughout your career journey.  Join us and help shape the future of Lhoist North America.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This role will perform and follow up on mid-value spot buys within the geography by clarifying requester requirements, formal bidding, supplier selection, negotiations, and supplier management.

Additional duties include determination of PO terms and conditions for mid-value spot buys, sourcing support to Sourcing/Category Managers within the geography, supporting spot buy reduction through regular analysis of spot buy activities and monitoring and enforcement of purchase order requirements for mid-to-high value orders.

This role will also be expected to become a subject matter expert on the Lhoist procure-to-pay process overseeing requisitioning, purchase order creation and supplier invoice management, as well as work with Operational Procurement Manager to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities within the procure-to-pay process.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

Execution of spot buy process:

- Analyzes mid-value spot buys; requests high-value spot buy execution from the responsible Sourcing Manager
- Searches for potential suppliers, either existing or new
- Conducts RFQ and supports participating suppliers in case of commercial or system-related issues.
- Facilitates clarification of technical questions between internal stakeholders and suppliers
- For selected spot buys, follows-up on technical evaluations with internal stakeholders to ensure timeliness of tendering process.
- Executes negotiation, supplier selection and determines PO terms and conditions
- Track / Measure performance according to Group Procurement guidelines
- Completes Free Text or Generic Purchase Requests and creates related PO
- Based on local requirements, follows up on PO approval and distribution to the supplier

Closes/changes/modifies Purchase Orders related to spot buys:

- Manages change requests or closes PO if no longer needed
- Upon supplier/user request to amend POs, follows up with user/supplier to determine feasibility; changes/modify POs if needed. If no resolution can be achieved escalates to the team lead and other responsible persons using standard procedures

Follows up Purchase Orders:

- Proactively  follow up POs to get supplier confirmations
- Based on overdue PO reports follow up with the supplier to determine the cause for delay and enforce fast delivery

Supports spot buy reduction:

- Regularly analyzes spot buy activity and provides quantitative and qualitative feedback to Analysts, Sourcing, and Category Managers on recurring spot buys and opportunities for standardization and automation

Perform other duties as assigned.

ATTRIBUTES:

- Results-oriented self-starter with the ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
- Must work well with others within and outside the department and be comfortable working in both an office and industrial/production environment.
- Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and contribute to team success.
- Extremely dependable.  The time-sensitive nature of the position requires excellent attendance and complete customer focus.
- Must be capable of working any shift, on-call, overtime, or seven days a week, if needed by the business.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate on all levels.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects and meeting all required deadlines.
- Strong sense of urgency in meeting customer needs.
- Must have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint software.   Adept in an ERP environment and related reporting/data warehouse, preferably SAP/BW, to drive integrated planning solutions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

- Perform all job duties safely and in compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality.
- Operate necessary tools, equipment, or technology required for the position.
- Maintain confidentiality of company and employee information.
- Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and company standards.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25–50 lbs. as needed.
- Ability to use hands and fingers for typing, handling objects, or operating equipment.
- Ability to see, hear, and communicate clearly.
- Ability to read, comprehend, and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to work in various environments (office, field, outdoors) as applicable to the role.
- Will be working in both an office environment and in a mining environment, which may include exposure to: temperature extremes, noise, uneven surfaces, vibration, oils, and atmospheric conditions such as dust, fumes, and metallic particles.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Successful completion of background check and/or drug screening (if applicable).
- Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or shifts as required by business needs.
- Ability to travel up to 15% as needed and/or directed by leadership.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

- High School Diploma or GED required. BS degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Finance, Engineering, or technical related field or equivalent work experience in the field is desired.

PREFFERED EDUCATION:

- BS Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree is a plus

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

- Must have 2- 4 years of previous buyer or purchasing experience in relevant Operational Procurement experience in a heavy industrial, manufacturing, or mining environment.

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE:

- Five (5) plus years of buyer or purchasing experience in heavy manufacturing or mining environment.

Lhoist North America is proud to offer a highly competitive compensation package designed to support your well-being and future.

Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with paid vacation and sick time. We also offer an attractive  401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a generous Employer Match as well as a Supplemental Contribution based on your Years of Service  to help you plan confidently for the future. We recognize that growth doesn’t stop at the workplace. That’s why we provide educational assistance to encourage continued learning and professional development, empowering our employees to reach their full potential.

At Lhoist North America, your success is our investment.

Lhoist North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to fostering a workplace that values inclusion, respect, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment strengthens our teams and drives innovation. That’s why we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and strive to ensure every employee feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

At Lhoist North America, inclusion isn’t just a policy, it’s a core part of who we are.

If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact  [email protected] . This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.