Materials Buyer

Who We Are:

Thank you for your interest in Mueller Water Products, Inc.  

For more than 165 years, Mueller Water Products, Inc. has been building the future of water infrastructure. From lifesaving fire protection to data intelligence, we are committed to developing products and solutions that help cities and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North America.   

Our purpose is to connect communities to water, life’s most essential resource, with exceptional, people solutions and products. Behind that purpose is a dedicated team, united by our shared values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion and safety. With a vision to be the leader in water infrastructure solutions—solving challenges, enriching lives and safeguarding the future—we are making a positive impact that will last for generations.   

By joining Mueller, you become part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and innovation, working collaboratively to achieve meaningful results. We champion our people because when they succeed, our communities thrive. We invite you to learn more about career opportunities with us and consider submitting your application.  

Materials Buyer

Mueller Water Products is the nation's leading manufacturer of flow control devices for the water and gas distribution industries and has an immediate opening for a Materials Buyer in our newest Kimball, TN facility. For over 160 years MWP’s manufacturing commitment has ensured one of the world’s most precious resources, clean drinking water, reaches millions of people daily. Come be a part of something that sustains and enriches the lives of every human being.

Job Description:

Mueller’s manufacturing commitment ensures one of the world’s most precious resources, clean drinking water, reaches millions of people daily.  Come be a part of something that sustains and enriches the lives of every human being.  As a Materials Buyer, you will act as the liaison between the operation and the supply market performing critical functions managing the supply chain. You will work daily with supply chain, strategic sourcing, and manufacturing to support lean inventory and procurement strategies for purchased material. The professional in this position will be a critical component in building the Mueller capabilities at the Kimball facility. This is a unique opportunity to build the operation through the implementation of systems, processes, and supply relationships.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies from suppliers.
• Evaluates supplier quotes and services to determine most desirable suppliers.
• Maintain day to day communication with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery, system data integrity, and ordering parameters for individual materials.
• Ensure on-time deliveries, while maximizing turns, and minimizing carrying costs.
• Understands and clearly demonstrates fluency in commercial components of supplier agreements.
• Experience and knowledge managing both domestic and overseas suppliers. Clear understanding of long lead times while forecasting and anticipating production needs and capabilities. Work closely with planners and analysts in developing and reviewing stock replenishment strategy. 
• Operate with a sense of urgency, and distribute time sensitive and accurate data
• Identify roadblocks in material/information flow; ability to manage exceptions. 
• Completes tasks of materials planner as needed by the Purchasing Manager

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Able to communicate at various levels within the organization
• Ability to effectively work in a team. Knowing role on team, based on project/task with a wide degree of creativity and latitude
• Demonstrated ability to successfully achieve goals through influence
• Ability to adapt to system/technology changes as well as use of current systems
• Strong organizational skills
• Possess ability to follow and challenge Standard Work processes daily
• Demonstrated Risk Awareness and Mitigation
• Skilled in Make vs. Buy analysis.
• Financial acumen (i.e. understanding lot size, inventory vs. set-up costs, AP)
• Exposure to LEAN methodology and LEAN manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to logistics, warehousing systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.

Required Education/Experience:

• BS/BA degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or technical field  - OR -  relevant purchasing/supply chain experience to be considered in lieu
• Minimum 4 years of Supply Chain experience
• Demonstrated Intermediate to Advanced Excel and general Microsoft Suite skills
• Knowledge and understanding of production processes and MRP systems essential

Preferred:

• JDE E1 or similar ERP experience
• Experience in Purchasing or Procurement: Demonstrated background in purchasing, sourcing, or procurement within a manufacturing or industrial setting. Experience managing suppliers, evaluating quotes, and negotiating pricing and delivery terms.
• Metals and Castings Expertise: A background in buying or working with steel, castings, or other raw materials used in manufacturing is highly preferred. Understanding material specifications, foundry processes, and metal market trends will be considered a strong asset.

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 10% Travel Requirement

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in stationary position or standing position for prolonged periods and alternate between
• Ability to repeat gross or fine manipulation that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including, but not limited to, safety glasses, steel-toed or metatarsal-guarded shoes, and/or ear plugs, while working in an industrial and/or manufacturing environment. 
• Ability to constantly communicate with others to exchange information in person, via phone, or via use of computer.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects up to 25 pounds in weight in all directions
• Ability to occasionally reach overhead or at or below shoulder level
• Ability to occasionally stoop, crouch, or kneel

Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department. 

This employer participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The system compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This notice applies to all applicants and employees, including those hired to work remotely.