Supplier Relations Specialist

Description

Function: The objective for the Planning Group is to utilize inputs (forecast, inventory, consumption rate, production run times, manufacturing rate, available staffing, and capacity) to develop plans that meet customer demand at minimal costs or fill demand that maximizes profit.  

Scope: Work with R&D to source new chemicals and vet suppliers, including negotiating contracts, pricing, and sample requests. This role involves managing suppliers from the initial vetting process through production ramp-up and ultimately through the material’s end of life.

TOK America - A Subsidiary of Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.

TOK America, Inc. plays an extremely important part, serving as the supply hub of semiconductor photoresists and high-purity chemical agents for the customers in United States and Europe. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of a world leader in advanced chemical formulations. Our company has consistently pursued programs of research and development of superior new technologies and new technical methodologies based on the following management principles: “continue efforts to enhance technology,” “raise the quality levels of products,” “contribute to society” and “create a frank and open-minded business culture”.

Company Perks:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance - TOK pays 100% of the premiums for all employees
• 401(K) with company match
• Paid life insurance
• 15 paid Holidays
• Generous paid time off
• On-the-job training and skill development
• Employee assistance program

Title: Supplier Relations Specialist 

Section: Purchasing & Planning 

Status: Exempt 

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

The essential functions of this position require prioritizing and completing all assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for changing priorities and availability of resources, and demonstrating initiative in identifying additional job-related tasks to be completed when time permits. The amount of time performing each function may vary day-to-day. All duties shall be performed in an efficient and professional manner in accordance with the company policies and under the direct supervision of a designated supervisor. 

1. Interpret, distill, and present complicated and/or technical information to employees, customers, and others in understandable and relatable terms to aid and enhance levels of understanding and implementation.

2. Use and operate a computer, office equipment and other technology devices frequently and consistently throughout each day with a high degree of skill, accuracy, and independent judgment for the purpose of reviewing, analyzing, creating, transmitting, and presenting documents, data, and other business-related information.

3. Supply chain management: Monitor and control supplier’s performance in all aspects, especially QCD (quality, cost, and delivery). Related tasks include but are not limited to: Supplier Questionnaire, Vendor Oversight, Contracts (NDA, MPA, MSA, and Procurement Spec), Forecast, Supplier Scorecard, SCAR management, Supplier Audit, and BCP control.

4. Promotion of continual improvement of processes to suppliers: Request and work with the suppliers on VE/VA suggestions. It may require PCN submissions and follow ups.

5. New supplier sourcing and development: Actively research new suppliers for R&D department including quality, cost, and delivery criteria. Negotiate with suppliers to ensure supply chain stability including but not limited to lead-time commitment, fulfilling, and cancelling orders depending on demand changes, price reduction, and quality improvement. 

6. RFQ submission and quotation collection, Supplier Questionnaire, Contracts (NDA, MPA, MSA, and Procurement Spec), and new supplier registration processes.

7. Communicates closely and effectively with related departments to manage and support both the Research & Development Group and Manufacturing Group. 

8. May participate in supplier audits by planning annual audit schedules, and coordinating schedules with suppliers, preparing audit presentations, managing on-site supplier audits, and completing post-audit follow ups.

9. Preparation of Standard Operating Procedures and various other controlling documents to ensure the responsible processes are well defined and verifiable for other members within and outside of Planning Department.

10. Know and practice PDCA on the above tasks.

11. Effectively lead and complete strategic projects to optimize department processes and/or realize cost savings.

12. Actively demonstrate high levels of employee engagement, coachability (e.g., receiving and incorporating business-related feedback and instruction with a positive and growth-oriented mindset) to achieve desired outcomes, and accountability for personal performance and its impact on others' ability to do their job well.

13. Perform other necessary duties and tasks as requested.

Periodical

Attending annual and/or quarterly refresher courses related to hazardous waste management and handling, general safety, quality management, and environmental management. 

SUPERVISION: 

Receives: General supervision given by Assistant Manager and above. Completed work is periodically reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and compliance within established guidelines.

Given: Directly support department team members in day-to-day operations. Assist the department manager by verifying that work is completed accurately, on time, and in accordance with established guidelines. Lead, train, and mentor both new and existing employees.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: 

This position requires employee to remain alert and observe surrounding areas and conditions to identify, recognize, and respond to potential obstacles, safety concerns, hazards, threats, property conditions requiring attention, unauthorized and/or dangerous persons, and emergencies. The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This position primarily works in a temperature-controlled, sometimes high-pressure office environment. Our office spaces include traditional office lighting (including fluorescent lighting), traditional office furniture, shared office space and restrooms, and facilities that include consistent and frequent noise (often louder than ambient noise), conversations among employees and customers, interruptions, and other similar distractions. Performing work in a typical office environment may also include exposure to ordinary and typical odors, scents, perfumes, and other airborne odors associated with people congregating, working, and sharing space together. We cannot guarantee a 100% scent-free work environment.

JOB RELATED PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· Work for extended periods of time in a stationary position (possibly up to 60 minutes or more without an opportunity to substantially change position) while consistently grasping, moving, and manipulating documents, office supplies, computer equipment, and other business tools and materials.

· Move to, from and within our building and across company-related property or field site locations with consistently uneven terrain. Movement to, from and within property locations may occur during inclement weather, extreme temperatures, rain or snow, strong winds, and during low visibility and low light conditions (e.g., evening, early morning, fog, etc.).

OTHER: 

Personnel must successfully complete a program of on-site classroom instruction or on-the-job training that teaches them to perform their duties in a way that ensures compliance with all job requirements. Prior experience and/or certification that can be verified will be considered in evaluating training requirements. 

FURTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

Must possess reliable means of transportation to and from the work site. Travel required (5% - 20%)

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

· BA/BS degree in supply chain management, chemistry, or another related field. 

· A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in supply chain industry or relevant professional experience required. Skilled in negotiation and ability to manage supplier relations. 

REQUIRED PERSONAL SKILLS: 

1. Ability to effectively communicate in English (both oral and written).

2. Demonstrate basic leadership skills.

3. Proficient in use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 

4. Knowledge of ERP systems; SAP preferred 

5. Ability to professionally present data and reports when meeting with both internal and external customers/suppliers.

6. Ability to complete clear analyses of business situations and offer recommendations of course of action.

7. Ability to effectively present complex information in group settings.

8. Management of raw materials, finished goods, fixed assets, and confidential, and/or customer information, as appropriate to department.

9. Possess the ability to plan, organize, direct, and control/monitor events and activities within the department.

Note:  

Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check and a pre-employment drug screening, including THC, in accordance with federal guidelines.
TOK America is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws.
TOK America is an FMLA-qualified employer: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/fmla

Know your rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Polygraph Protection: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf