Job Title: Purchasing Associate

Job Status: Full-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Purchasing Manager

Summary:Accountable for maintaining flow of goods to produce increased customer fill rates and inventory turns. Maintain professional relationships with vendors and customers and follow related company policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with management on purchasing policies and inventory goals for the branch.
• Create and maintain a purchasing schedule and review periodically to ensure an even flow of goods through the shipping department.
• Establish and oversee inter-branch purchasing policies. Load and maintain branch product and price files.
• Review monthly stock/non-stock report and make necessary adjustments to meet branch policies.
• Expedite all orders making necessary changes to purchase order ship dates and informing appropriate individuals or departments of that information.
• Resolve incoming shipping errors, damaged goods, non-conforming goods (NCG), and pricing issues with vendors and freight carriers in professional manner.
• Create, maintain, and adhere to return goods calendar.
• Distribute purchasing and return goods calendar to Sales Department.
• Responsible for negotiating and decision making on the return, sale and disposal of obsolete, stagnant and damaged product.
• Become familiar with and utilize any and all reports needed to maintain the inventory goals set for the branch.
• Create and maintain a professional relationship with vendors. Actively promote and support approved vendors.
• Inform appropriate individuals and departments of price changes, product changes and substitutions, discontinued items, etc. as well as rep changes and product line changes using proper documentation to do so.
• Negotiate all terms of sale with vendors - not just product price.
• Attend training sessions on current and new methods of inventory control and negotiating skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Must have a strong working knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, supplier performance management, supply chain and inventory strategies and practices including demonstrated competency in strategic sourcing.

Qualifications:

• Electrical product and applications knowledge required.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office and inventory software/databases; experience with Epicor Eclipse a plus;
• Must be self-directed, have excellent initiative and organizational skills;
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills –with vendors, customers, managers, co-workers and subordinates;
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills;
• Exhibits a strong ability to handle multiple demands with a sense or urgency, drive and energy.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical Requirements:

• No special vision requirements, but exposure to long periods of eyestrain from reading and computer monitors.
• Predominantly sitting, some standing, stooping, bending and lifting. Occasional use of hands/fingers, reaching with hands/arms, talking and hearing needed. 
• Lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally needed.
• May be required to work more than 40 hours per week.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Work Environment:

• Predominantly office environment, but may require frequent trips to warehouse. 
• Moderate noise level (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic).
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not intended as, nor does it create, an employment contract. Lowe Electric Supply Company maintains its status as an at-will employer. This means you and Lowe Electric Supply Company are free to terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. In no instance should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements set forth in this job description be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, and/or the scope of the job may change, as necessitated by business demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position as required by law.