Purchasing Specialist/Buyer

Description:

The Purchasing Specialist develops and maintains relationships with suppliers to proactively and strategically manage inventory levels. This individual serves as a liaison between vendors and company personnel and manages inventory levels to assure sufficient stock without excessive investments. The candidate understands that the purchasing department is considered a profit center rather than a cost center with the ultimate goal of reducing costs and increasing profits. This individual must able to analyze and communicate changing market conditions, price trends, lead-time requirements, and availability of materials in a self-directed manner with minimal supervision.

Requirements:

Essential Functions/Job Responsibilities

• Prospect market opportunities via in-person and online sources and stay abreast of changing market conditions to strategically manage inventory levels.
• Maintain an excellent relationship with suppliers and vendor representatives; serve as a liaison between these individuals and company employees.
• Manage purchasing for certain product lines and ensure products turn at acceptable levels. Administer the inventory control and re-buying of these product lines while considering market opportunities and conditions.
• Make purchases of quantity items in relation to the best purchase price, discount, and terms. Negotiate prices and terms as appropriate and review supplier invoices for proper pricing and terms.
• Make strategic buys with the ability to look around the corner, anticipate needs, and work closely with sales.
• Provide excellent customer service to suppliers by alleviating any concerns that may arise.
• Review damaged and defective items to determine warranty coverage and contact vendors if damaged items are returnable.
• Review slow-moving inventory reports with the Sales and Operations Departments to determine the inventory that can be sold.
• Assist in reviewing, and moving dead stock.
• Advise management of any problem with vendors or customers, vendor programs, specials, and new products.
• Obtain current price sheets or product catalogs and distribute them to the proper personnel.
• Maintain required records, files, and data processing information.
• Assist in inventory cycle counting using and reviewing all reports developed and printed for inventory control management and purchasing.
• Maintain punctuality and regular and reliable attendance.
• Protect and maintain confidentiality of company trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary information including, without limitation, pricing information and sales data.
• Maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Complete projects and assignments on time.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Management, Finance, or Economics preferred. Commensurate work experience in a business setting will be considered.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and data entry. Experience with ASPEN Canopy is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and project leadership skills.
• Detail-oriented, organized, able to work in a dynamic, fast paced environment, and able to relate to others in a courteous manner.
• Skilled in recording information accurately.
• Able to learn and adapt to varied work assignments.
• Willing to assume responsibility for accuracy of work performed and to accept other duties as assigned by direct supervisor.