Who is Aztalan Bio?

Aztalan’s story is just beginning, and you can be part of it!  ClonBio Group acquired Wisconsin’s largest ethanol plant in 2022 located in the village of Aztalan, just outside Jefferson, WI.  The facility will process 40 million bushels of locally grown feed corn per year, turning that into food-grade corn oil, vegetable protein concentrates and isolates for food applications, aquaculture feeds, renewable natural gas, organic fertilizer, ethanol, and dietary fiber for foods, among other things. 

Aztalan’s sister facility, Pannonia Bio in Hungary is one of the most technologically advanced grain biorefineries in the world.  Over the next several years, Aztalan will invest hundreds of millions of dollars into a biorefinery transformation every bit as innovative as Pannonia’s but uniquely suited to Wisconsin’s strengths.  Aztalan Bio is owned by ClonBio Group who is family-owned and invests in their people for long-term success.  We have a dedicated internal team of engineers and scientists from 23 countries and 5 continents, an investment in people that explains why ClonBio’s biorefineries are so technologically advanced. 

Position Overview

The Purchaser is primarily responsible for procuring goods and services required for operations. This includes equipment, chemicals, spare parts, and other supplies critical to the plant’s operations. The role requires working closely with various departments, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth and cost-effective supply chain.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Procurement Management:
  • Research, evaluate, and source vendors for materials and supplies required for production.
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement while maintaining product quality and delivery schedules.
  • Monitor market trends and supply availability to proactively address potential shortages or price fluctuations.

 

  • Inventory Control:
    • Maintain accurate inventory records and track materials to prevent shortages or overstocking.
    • Coordinate with management teams to ensure timely reordering of materials before stock runs low.
    • Implement and manage safety stock levels, reorder points, and lead times for critical materials.

   

  • Supplier Relationships:
    • Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure reliable delivery and high-quality products.
    • Address any supplier performance issues such as late deliveries, product quality problems, or discrepancies in invoicing.
    • Evaluate supplier performance regularly and implement corrective actions as needed.

 

  • Logistics and Shipping Coordination:
  • Work closely with internal teams to schedule deliveries, track shipments, and ensure materials arrive on time to avoid production delays.
  • Ensure compliance with shipping regulations, plant requirements, and quality standards for incoming goods.

 

  • Budget Management:
  • Assist in the preparation of procurement budgets, ensuring that purchasing activities stay within allocated budgets.
  • Monitor spending and make adjustments to procurement practices to achieve cost savings and improve profitability.

 

  • Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate purchasing records, purchase orders, invoices, and receipts for audit and reporting purposes.
  • Prepare and submit regular procurement reports to management detailing orders, inventory levels, budget adherence, and supplier performance.

 

  • Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with the plant’s operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to understand material needs and prioritize procurement based on production schedules.
  • Support project teams with special material requirements for plant upgrades, maintenance shutdowns, and new projects.

 

Schedule/Work Location:

  • This is an on-site position located at Aztalan Bio in Johnson Creek, WI. Work hours are M-F 7:00am - 3:30pm.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in procurement or purchasing, preferably in manufacturing, chemicals, or energy-related industries. Experience in an ethanol plant or similar process-based facility is a plus.
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.) and purchasing software or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
  • Knowledge of the ethanol production process and related materials is a plus.
  • Ability to independently direct their own work.
  • Ability to prioritize, focus, and distinguish between urgent and important.