Basic Job Functions: • Responsible for obtaining bids and placing orders for supplies, materials, services, and equipment. • Negotiates pricing and delivery with key vendors, supports supplier development activities to established guidelines and in a cost-efficient manner. • Define sourcing strategies and managing contracts, conduct RFQ/tendering and cost comparison analysis. • Responsible for assuring Purchasing Orders are placed and timely deliveries • May delegate work to, and oversee work of, up to two Buyers. Essential Functions & Responsibilities • Responsible for managing the commercial relationship between First Solar and its key local suppliers with full compliance to company’s code of conduct. • Responsible for processing purchase orders according to established guidelines and in a cost-efficient manner. • Responsible for negotiating pricing and other terms with assigned suppliers to improve product cost, reduce First Solar inventory, and improve cash flow. • May negotiate and place Purchase Orders for significant capital equipment purchases. • Independently investigates new suppliers for improved price, delivery and quality. • Participate in and may lead supplier selection, qualification, evaluation, and re-evaluations for new and current suppliers • Responsible for managing inventory levels of assigned materials. • As required, expedite or de-expedite deliveries and change scheduled quantities to meet changes in production or requirements, including working with Logistics to schedule and arrange timely and cost-effective deliveries. • Notify suppliers of changes in specification and obtain their approval prior to implementing the change. • Notify suppliers of quality discrepancies in their incoming material; with internal and supplier experts, support the identification of root cause and assure corrective action; and assure material disposition is appropriate dealt with. • May work with engineering to modify or finalize specifications • Maintains effective communications levels and fosters team building. • Adheres to all First Solar internal processes and procedures, including safety, SOA, ISO9000, ISO14000, and housekeeping standards. • May perform Commodity Management functions on some items, including development of strategic relationships and negotiating long term supply agreements. • May travel, including internationally, to critical suppliers. • Supplier relationships are maintained and improved. • Failure to perform responsibilities will have a significant impact on First Solar production and, ultimately, financial performance. Experience: • 2+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment. • Some experience directing the work of other buyers is preferred. • Ability to identify and engage local supplier base for best purchasing results for First Solar. Education: • BE/B-Tech/Degree in Purchasing or related fields or equivalent. Required Skills: Behavioral: • Motivated, focused and target driven individual • Proven organizational skills – ability to prioritize. • High level of skill demonstrated in managing suppliers and supplier relationships. • Excellent communications and interpersonal skills. • Has thorough knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the Purchasing field. • Knowledge of engineering data bases and managing specification changes with suppliers. • A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. • Flexibility to work as per different time zones, based on requirement. Technical: • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office or equivalent. • In depth knowledge of ERP systems-SAP/Oracle systems. • Broad knowledge of techniques used in negotiating cost reductions along with terms and conditions with suppliers. • Experience in managing Procure to pay Cycle Physical Requirements (if any) • Required to sit for long periods of time during the day. • Will walk and climb stairs. • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist. • Required to lift up to 25 lbs. • May, kneel, stoop, talk and hear. • Required to use hands to handle, carry or feel objects. • Specific vision abilities are required