Purchasing Agent / Analyst

Empire Merchants North is the premier wine and spirits distributor in Upstate New York with roots going back to the end of Prohibition. With more than 500 dedicated employees and state-of-the-art facilities, Empire Merchants North has become synonymous with both service and quality and has earned the loyalty of more than 9,000 area restaurants, bars, hotels, nightclubs, and retail outlets. Empire Merchants North acts as a marketing agent for the brands that we represent and is proud to employ the most knowledgeable and well-equipped sales force in Upstate New York.

We are seeking an experienced, motivated Purchasing Agent / Analyst.

Responsible for analyzing purchasing data, reviewing forecasting, order planning, purchasing, recordkeeping, item and cost maintenance, and order tracking for all brands and items of their assigned vendors. The role exercises independent judgment in evaluating purchasing requisitions, resolving supply-related issues, and recommending improvements to purchasing processes. The position provides analysis and recommendations that support supplier performance, inventory efficiency, and operational decision-making. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESULTS
• Purchases product through review of demand, sales history, and purchase requisitions to meet company objectives and supplier requirements. 
• Reviews purchase requisitions for accuracy and create purchase orders using SAP. 
• Use problem-solving skills to resolve daily challenges and problems that arise.
• Evaluates order requests from sales and suppliers to determine if the request maintains adequate inventory levels. 
• Performs analysis related to inventory needs, amount of overstock, financial and/or storage considerations to determine when purchase orders need to be created. Analyzes and provides recommendations to improve inventory efficiency. 
• Plans orders and reviews forecasting for accuracy and trends during the ordering process. Identify anomalies and work with business managers to adjust forecasts. 
• Maintains proper inventory levels by warehouse through consistent review of inventory using various reports, and forecasting. Improve ordering to reduce out of stocks and the need for transfers between warehouses. 
• Tracks orders to ensure product is received on schedule and accurate ETAs are maintained. Communicate with carriers to ensure orders are expedited if needed. Determine the appropriate corrective action when discrepancies arise. 
• Maintains excellent records of information used to prepare orders, the orders themselves, the confirmations and receipt information. Perform analysis and provide reports as needed. 
• Provides coverage for Gallo replenishment as needed. 
• Provides coverage for the Demand Planner as needed.
• Performs item maintenance to ensure accurate data is always available.
• Builds queries in SAP to analyze purchasing data and facilitate material maintenance. 
• Responsible for maintaining accurate cost conditions and review of moving averages. 
• Negotiates with carriers to obtain reasonable freight quotes. 
• Provides historical cost information in excel format as requested for gross profit review. 
• Develops strong working relationships with demand planners, sales, carriers, and suppliers through regular and professional communication. 
• Manages exceptions by communicating with sales, suppliers, carriers, and management. 
• Coordinates the claims process. Achieves work objectives by gathering pertinent data, identifying and evaluating options and choosing a course of action. 
• Analyzes purchasing data and creates reports as needed using Excel. 
• Collaborate closely with suppliers and business managers to ensure the proper flow of inventory to meet demand. 
• Maintains organization’s stability and reputation by keeping information confidential. 
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

Empire Merchants North offers a competitive compensation package including:

• Salary Range: $62,354 - $67,354 and annual bonus potential
• Paid Holidays, Health Plan options (medical, dental, disability coverage, life insurance, and other voluntary plans), 401K, PTO, vacation accrual, Flexible Spending Account, and more.
• The company will evaluate a specific candidate's education, skills, and experience when making an offer.

Salary : $62,354 - $67,354