Title: Purchasing AssociateLocation: Columbus, OHDuration: 7 Months AssignmentResponsibilities:Approve invoices to be paid at or below $50 thousand per purchasing authority.Communicate continuously with external partners (Suppliers, Third Party Manufacturers, Freight Carriers) and internal departments, including but not limited to (Mfg. Plants, R&D, ProductionPlanning, Engineering, Package Development, Label Control, Plant QA, Supplier QA, Regulatory Affairs, Accounts Payable, Cost Accounting, Logistics, Contract Mfg., Marketing, Import/Export and IT) to assure materials are delivered on time, at the right price, to the correct location, and according to Abbott specifications.Create yearly blanket purchase orders for commodities supplied to Abbott Nutrition's domestic manufacturing plants and third-party manufacturers.Generate forecasts for commodities purchased for the US and/or global operations. Perform comparative analysis on forecasts, actuals and contracts for global purchases to provide timely and comprehensive information about inventory, contract balances, and production changes.Offer recommendations to management to move volumes and/or increase contracts to avoid supply issues. Escalate issues suppliers may have about the forecasts.Ensure compliance to Abbott policies and procedures and manage audit readiness metrics.Act as the liaison between Abbott and suppliers when deliveries are late or on hold. Coordinate necessary actions to ensure material delivery, including expediting delivery from alternate sources.Verify that purchase order releases and requisitions reflect the proper price, based on current contracts. Incorrect pricing leads to late invoice payment, which affects supplier relationships, Abbott's credit standing, and potentially future deliveries of materials.When applicable, possess knowledge of external guidelines and various governmental agencies and processes. Utilize systems and resources to support clearance, delivery and compliance of international and domestic orders.Partner with suppliers to alleviate chronic delivery or quality problems. Work with the Procurement Mangers, manufacturing plants, Abbott Supplier QA, other internal departments and suppliers to identify and implement solutions.Act as the liaison between Abbott Accounts Payable and suppliers on invoicing issues related to price invoiced and quantity delivered, and on receiving proper credit for returned materials.Manage communication with US and Global suppliers related to commodity qualifications, supplier expectations (including delivery) and ongoing performance related to nonconforming materials and special projects.Responsible for distribution of Abbott policies related to key company initiatives and special informative letters as deemed by Corporate Policies, including department Supplier Diversity spend reporting and Supplier Risk.Under the direction of the Procurement Managers, execute and finalize Confidential Disclosure Agreements using standard templates approved by Abbott Legal. Monitor compliance to keysupply agreement provisions and Maintain supplier Insurance Certificates as required by Abbott policy.Coordinate and administer globally the training for procurement personnel in all systems as well as roles and responsibilities.When appropriate, assemble bid packages and/or requests for quotes or proposals, distribute to suppliers and consolidate responses for review by the appropriate Procurement Manager.PreferredUnderstand inventory control and basic accounting principlesCompliance mindset, attention to detail and willingness to do what is right.Ability to build rapport and strong relationships with internal and external customers.Manage challenging situations requiring continuous communication while maintaining a high degree of professionalism.Technical aptitude with systems and a working knowledge of several software packages preferred, including: Qlickview, TeamCenter, Cognos (Report Writer), DevEx, Planview, SharePoint: CDA Database, Specification Library Database, Team SharePoint Page, SAPApplications: cVend, cMat, ACR, PIR, Source List, Value Contracts.Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional and branded generic medicines.Working together, Abbott and Talent Solutions partner to deliver top talent for contingent roles at Abbott, building better and healthier lives. Abbott believes all employees are essential to creating life-changing breakthroughs, performing key duties to create life-changing breakthroughs.
