Buyer

Mission of the Role

The Buyer contributes to a high-quality customer experience by ensuring the reliability, availability, and appropriate quantities of stock and on-hand inventory are available when they are needed to meet customer needs. This will include processing purchase orders, negotiating with suppliers, tracking orders, creating and maintaining an inventory, quality assurance, and liaising with inventory teams and management. The buyer will collaborate with team members across departments to manage minimum and maximum inventory levels, aligning with business needs and making purchase decisions based on demand, in accordance with procurement standards and practices.

Key Duties & Accountabilities

• Process and confirm POs and/or communicate what needs to be ordered, the day they show in REACT
• Reply to all emails by the end of business day
• Maintain and keep price lists current on the appropriate drive
• Resolve vendor problems and elevate issues immediately to an acceptable, timely, and appropriate resolution
• Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales personnel.
• Analyze each purchase request for need, volume, price, and quantity
• Manage open POs, back orders and inventory levels, alerting Customer Service immediately to changes to deliver on time, in full, and in spec (DIFOTIS)
• Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
• Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
• Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate customer buying patterns to determine how much inventory is needed.
• Control stock levels based on forecasts/analysis, min/max numbers, and min/max reports

Essential Functions

• Facilitate the setup of new items, including tapoffs and proof approval.
• Maintain thorough email records
• Assist with slow-moving inventory
• Expedite material based on customer needs
• Build relationships with suppliers
• Serve as liaison with customer service, sales, design, manufacturing, shipping, and corporate strategic procurement
• Utilize knowledge of market trends and guidance, and information to make insightful purchasing decisions
• Participate as required in the Procurement Council and initiatives

Educational/ Training Requirements/ Experience

• High School diploma/GED
• Purchasing experience required
• Critical thinking and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of sales and marketing principles is advantageous

Minimum Skills, Knowledge & Ability Requirements

• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to prioritize tasks
• Demonstrated initiative in personal professional development
• Basic arithmetic, including gross profit calculation
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• High level of ethics & personal integrity
• Cross-functional influencing and conflict management skills

The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors such as work location, job-related skills, qualifications, experience, responsibilities, and relevant education and training. In addition to our compensation, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including the following:

• Bonus based on company performance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off (including vacation, company holidays, and parental leave)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Other benefits, such as life insurance, disability coverage, and wellness programs