Buyer I

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

• Responsible for processing and following up on purchase orders, monthly cash flow reporting, supporting the sourcing and procurement of capital equipment including obtaining bids, evaluating supplier proposals, and negotiating low spend contracts for equipment purchases.
• Negotiates pricing and delivery with vendors. Supports the qualification of new suppliers according to established guidelines and in a cost-efficient manner.
• Responsible for ensuring Purchase Orders are placed, and deliveries are scheduled and maintained to meet requirements.
• Responsible for Master data creation and/or maintenance to support planning and Purchase Order execution.

Education/Experience:

• Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:
  
  
  
  • High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum 2 years of relevant work experience (purchasing, planning/scheduling, and supply chain). Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
  • Familiarity with standard supply chain concepts, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of MRP principles and proficiency with one or more ERP systems (SAP or Oracle preferred).
  • Associate degree in a related discipline.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related discipline strongly preferred.
  
  

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Proven organizational skills - ability to prioritize.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office or equivalent.
• Demonstrated or familiar with negotiation approaches and methods.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills, with a proactive mindset and eagerness to grow.
• Understanding of contract terms and ability to perform self-research to understand legal wording and clauses.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with the Strategic Capital Equipment Sourcing team to identify and qualify suppliers for capital equipment needs.
• Responsible for assuring purchase requisitions and orders are appropriately approved, information is complete, data is entered accurately in the ERP system, and negotiating prices with assigned vendors.
• Assists in the preparation and review of RFQs/RFPs for capital equipment purchases.
• With direction, investigates new suppliers for improved price, delivery, and quality.
• Supports contract review and negotiation processes for capital equipment, ensuring terms align with company standards and risk mitigation requirements.
• Coordinates with engineering, operations, and finance to ensure capital equipment specifications and delivery schedules meet project requirements.
• Analyze aging purchase orders.
• Interfaces with many departments and assigned suppliers.
• Creates/Maintains Master data information.
• Maintains effective communications levels and fosters team building.
• Adheres to all First Solar internal processes and procedures, including safety, SOA, ISO9000, SIO14000, and housekeeping standards.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• No direct reports.

Travel:

• Up to 10% travel possible in a given year.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $48,400-$69,000 Annually.

US Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check band any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.