Senior Technical Buyer

JOB PURPOSE:

The Senior Technical Buyer will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring high-quality technical services and materials essential for our operations. Your role will involve managing supplier relationships, optimizing costs, and ensuring timely delivery of materials. You will collaborate with engineering, operations, and facilities teams to support Midco's strategic objectives and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers for technical components and materials.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing to secure the best deals.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues to ensure quality and reliability.
• Analyze market trends and pricing to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Implement strategies to reduce procurement costs without compromising quality.
• Coordinate with inventory and operation teams to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Manage inventory levels to avoid shortages or excess stock.
• Collaborate with engineering to ensure that procured materials meet required standards.
• Address any quality issues with suppliers promptly and hold them accountable for resolution.
• Work closely with engineering, facilities, and other departments to understand technical requirements and specifications of products.
• Provide input on material selection and procurement strategies.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities and supplier performance.
• Generate reports and provide insights to support decision-making processes.
• Proactively identify potential issues in the supply chain and develop contingency plans.
• Resolve procurement-related problems efficiently, such as delivery delays, quality discrepancies, or supplier non-compliance.
• Utilize critical thinking and analytical skills to troubleshoot and resolve complex procurement challenges.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement processes and supplier performance.
• Follow and serve as a role model in displaying Midco's Core Values and Leadership Success Drivers.
• Adhere to Midco's privacy guidelines to ensure each customer's privacy.
• Maintain regular attendance as required by your position.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Effectively communicate with other departments to handle escalating issues in a timely manner.
• Support the mission, vision and values of Midco.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external customers to ensure exceptional service.
• Demonstrate courage by tackling tough issues while acknowledging your own limitations without compromising integrity.
• Remove obstacles for team members. Encourage creative solutions.
• Apply personal ethics, honesty, initiative, flexibility, responsibility and confidentiality in all areas of responsibility.
• Communicate clear expectations that set a high bar while holding team members accountable to reach these goals.
• Demonstrate business acumen by using data to drive decisions and actions.
• Model flexibility, resiliency and change management skills by staying self-aware, constantly learning, and
• finding ways to cut through ambiguous problems.
• Identify root causes of problems and implement solutions while keeping a holistic and long-term perspective in mind.
• Actively follow Midco policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma/GED required. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Supply Chain management, Engineering or related field required.
• 5 years minimum purchasing experience required.
• Intermediate to Advance knowledge of Microsoft Excel and ERP Systems required.
• Knowledge of vendor management and sourcing strategies and techniques preferred.
• Six Sigma/ Lean certification or exposure to these methodologies preferred
• Telecommunications, manufacturing, engineering or IT experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate requirements and expectations clearly to stakeholders and suppliers.
• Proven ability to draft clear, concise, and accurate procurement documents, reports and correspondence. Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:

• The employee may occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Required to periodically travel to other Midco locations, supplier locations, and trade and industry shows.
• Capable of making timely and effective decisions, especially under pressure.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and internal requirements.
• Capability to evaluate complex situations and make sound judgments.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Employees may be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week and other than normal business hours, such as holidays, evenings and weekends as business demands.

ABOUT MIDCO:

• Midco offers the most reliable wholly owned and operated fiber network spanning 17,000 miles.
• We are a telecommunications leader that is redefining connectivity while being a force for good in the communities we serve.
• We serve nearly 500,000 homes and businesses in more than 400 communities in Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
• Our 1,900 team members work together with integrity, creating a caring culture for a lasting impact.

Ready to work at Midco? We thought so. Here are a few more reasons why Midco is one of the best places to work:

• Free Midco internet & TV
• Great opportunities to get involved in volunteerism
• Generous 401(k) match and paid time away from work programs
• And many more

Visit Midco.com/Careers to learn about employment opportunities and apply today.

Midco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, or any other characteristic protected by law. To view our full EEO and federal contractor supplemental posters, please refer to Midco.com/Federal Posters.