Buyer

Job Description: BUYER

Summary:

In the Buyer position, you will be responsible for buying and managing category inventory levels for items in our supply chain based on product lead time, desired safety stock, and anticipated customer demand in a manner that maintains acceptable service levels. You will be responsible for purchasing items for Wholesale/ Distribution and report to the Vice President of Procurement at our LOUISA, KY location. You will be an essential part of our team that has been servicing customers and delivering fine foods since 1942.

Responsibilities:

• Select vendors based upon their ability to provide a continuous supply of product; overall service level; responsiveness to the market as shown through product innovation; quality and value of product; relationships with competitors; and their understanding of Brown Foodservice’s geographic service areas and customer segments.
• Maintain relationships with vendors by resolving problems with invoicing, product, or delivery to ensure quality service and longevity of relationships.
• Select products based on application to our customers, product performance, alternate sources of supply, and overall reputation of vendor.
• Maintain established service levels for product in-stock.
• Assist with special order requests.
• Negotiate prices and quantities ordered based on customer orders, inbound freight carrier availability and optimization, promotion of product, and overall service area conditions.
• Negotiate long-term contracts based on these considerations and need for continuous supply.
• Provide product and pricing information to sales team and make recommendations regarding pricing structure for product lines based on volume and margin considerations.
• Responsible for item maintenance in the ERP system, maintaining prices, creating and confirming purchase orders, and inventory from receipt to shipment.
• Support and participate in company food shows and initiatives which drive value for our customers.
• Travel may be required for customer conferences on category purchases for customer’s needs to ensure correct inventory allocation, and to attend industry conferences.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• 1 to 2 years experience in purchasing required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in business, supply chain, or related field strongly preferred.
• 3 to 5 years experience in purchasing preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced computer skills required; proficient with office applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, SharePoint, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to demonstrate a willingness to help and cooperate within and outside of company.
• Ability to think strategically; coordinate tasks, resources, and opinions across functional areas to drive the success of the overall organization.
• Possess discipline to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration skills to work across multiple departments while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners across the company.
• Solid analytical problem solving skills, including familiarity with analyzing reports and deriving insights from data.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear, frequently sit and reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel to trade shows, conferences, or customer locations utilizing various means of transportation which may result in long periods of sitting.

Brown Foodservice, Inc. Benefits:

• Brown offers competitive pay and benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, STD/LTD and 401(k)

Candidates must pass a background check, drug screen and other job requirements.