SUMMARY
The Procurement Buyer will oversee merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBLITIES
§ Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
§ Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
§ Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.
§ Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
§ Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
§ Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory.
§ Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
§ Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.
§ Conduct sales meetings to introduce new merchandise.
§ Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.
§ Provide clerks with information to print on price tags, such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs, manufacturer number, season code, or style number.
§ Train or supervise sales or clerical staff.
§ Determine which products should be featured in advertising, the advertising medium to be used, or when the ads should be run.
§ Monitor competitors' sales activities by following their advertisements in newspapers or other media.
§ Analyze environmental aspects of competing merchandise when making buying decisions.
§ Compare transportation options to determine the most energy-efficient options.
§ Develop strategies to advertise green products or merchandise to consumers.
§ Identify opportunities to buy green commodities, such as alternative energy, water, or carbon-neutral products for resale to consumers.
§ Monitor consumer preferences or environmental trends to determine the best way to introduce new green products.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Office Settings: The majority of a buyer's time is spent in a standard office setting, working at a computer reviewing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
- Hybrid/On-Site: Often operates in corporate offices or manufacturing/logistics hubs.
- Vendor Sites & Trade Shows: Travel may be required occasionally to visit supplier facilities, attend trade shows, or conduct product evaluations.
- Fast-Paced: The environment can be high-stress when mitigating supply delays, expediting urgent parts, or negotiating tight contracts.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Sedentary: Primarily a desk job involving sitting for long periods while using a computer and telephone.
- Light Lifting: Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects or sample packages up to 10 lbs.
- Dexterity: Routine use of hands to operate standard office equipment like keyboards and printers.
- Sensory Requirements: Requires close and distance vision for examining parts and contracts, as well as clear verbal/hearing capabilities for frequent negotiation.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Negotiation & Contracting: Ability to secure competitive pricing, favorable delivery terms, and beneficial contracts.
- Analytical Thinking: Strong capability to interpret cost data, analyze bids (RFP/RFQ), and conduct value analyses.
- Tech Proficiency: Mastery of Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, vlookup) and experience using ERP and inventory software.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for building supplier relationships and resolving discrepancies with internal finance teams
- Problem-Solving: The capacity to quickly identify alternative sourcing and execute supply chain problem-solving during backorders or delays.
- Organization: Must be highly detail-oriented to track open purchase orders, manage vendor scorecards, and monitor inventory levels.
Pay: $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
