PURCHASING COORDINATOR
Department: Buyer
Shift: Monday-Friday shift business hours (onsite)
Reports to: President
Job Summary:
The Purchasing Coordinator plays a key role in supporting procurement operations by managing the end-to-end process of purchasing supplies, identifying assets, negotiating costs with vendors, and managing vendor contracts. This position is also responsible for approving or declining orders from various retail locations and analyzing invoices to ensure accuracy. Operating in a dynamic retail and logistics environment, the Purchasing Coordinator must demonstrate strong organizational skills, mindfulness, and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Manage the purchasing of all office, retail, and general use supplies to support company operations.
- Partner with internal departments to identify purchasing needs and source appropriate vendors to meet those requirements.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with vendors to secure favorable agreements.
- Maintain, track, and manage vendor contracts and supplier agreements to ensure compliance and value delivery.
- Monitor vendor performance regularly to ensure quality standards, service levels, and cost objectives are consistently met.
- Approve or decline purchase requests from departments and place timely orders with the appropriate vendors.
- Review and verify invoices and bills to ensure accuracy, resolving discrepancies as needed.
- Maintain organized records of purchasing activity, vendor communications, and contract documentation.
- Analyze purchasing data to identify cost-saving opportunities, process improvements, and efficiencies.
Support ongoing procurement operations in a fast-paced retail and logistics environment by managing multiple priorities effectively
Ensure accurate and timely filing of all contracts, agreements, and related records.
Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Supervision Given and Received:
This position has no supervisor responsibilities. The President supervises this position.
Required Skills & Abilities
2-4 years of experience in purchasing, buying, procurement, or logistics support preferred.
Strong organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and database management; proficiency with ERP systems (Storis, Oracle, SAP, etc.) a plus.
Effective communication and negotiation support skills.
Analytical mindset with basic understanding of finance and contract terms.
Professionalism, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive corporate information.
Ability to analyze and interpret data, including computing rates, ratios, and percentages and analyzing contracts.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external vendors.
Strong time management skills, able to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Initiative-taking, goal-oriented, and able to perform well under pressure.
- Learn and grow knowledge of our products, supplies, and our customers.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
All other duties assigned by AFW President as directed.
Computer Skills:
Ability to navigate multiple computer systems, type 30+ wpm, advanced familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.), advanced internet research skills, and experience with STORIS preferred. Ability to extensively use computers for ordering, communication, documentation, maintenance of organizational content on shared drives.
Education and Experience:
High school diploma required. Two-year college or university degree (Associates) is preferred; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certificates and Licenses:
Certifications and licenses in business such as Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) are preferred.
Compensation Package:
Pay rate: Starting at $25.00 per hour.
Salary grade E $21.20-$31.80 per hour.
At AFW we offer great perks: weekly pay, benefits package (medical, dental, vision, and FSA options), vacation and sick pay, leadership development programs, tuition assistance, company paid life insurance, 401k matching, and more!
Physical Demands:
- Capability to stand, walk, stoop, & bend for 8 hours or more daily.
- Continuous use of arms, hands, fingers, eyes, legs, and back.
Requires the ability to maneuver in confined and at times congested areas.
Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, & bend for 8 a day.
Requires constant use of arms, hands, fingers, eyes, legs, and back.
American Furniture Warehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. Working Safely is a Condition of Employment at American Furniture Warehouse – an Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V.
A pre-employment drug screen, background and fit for duty exam check must be passed upon job offer.
Since 1975, our motto has been Under Promise and Over Deliver, and this is exactly what we do on a daily basis! At AFW, we strongly believe in recognizing those who exemplify excellence, and reward them for contributing to our collective success. We strive to provide a great work environment for our employees and give them the knowledge and tools needed to provide our customers with an even greater buying experience. At American Furniture Warehouse We Do It Right the First Time!
