Buyer, Procurement

Procurement BuyerThe goal of the Procurement team is to competitively source quality goods and services for the various ASPCA locations while ensuring timely deliveries and innovative solutions for the teams we support. We pride ourselves on being a dedicated collaborative group that is committed to providing a high level of service to the teams directly involved with the animals the ASPCA serves and protects. We procure the medical supplies, food, and enrichment/behavior items which the ASPCA uses to help animals nationwide.The Buyer works directly with multiple departments across the organization to meet procurement and fulfillment needs critical to the operations of various high-volume ASPCA programs including Community Medicine (at all New York, Los Angeles, and Miami locations), ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance, the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center, and other remote locations as needed.Under the direction of the Senior Director, Procurement, the Buyer performs a wide variety of tasks related to procurement, including (but not limited to): pricing research and comparisons, day-to-day vendor relationship management, critical internal client support, and order placement and tracking. The internal client groups supported by the Buyer include complex veterinary medical specialties, requiring advanced product and supplier knowledge to optimize purchasing decisions, with the ability to make decisions quickly and autonomously in the best interest of the business.Please note, this is a hybrid role that requires candidates to travel in-person to 1-2 days per week to our office at 424 E. 92nd St in New York City, NY.Responsibilities:Manage requests for goods/services from diverse internal client groups, independently choose optimal suppliers to meet client needs, and create and issue purchase requisitions and purchase orders to suppliers using specialized Workday Procurement module knowledge. The value of goods purchased annually by Buyer for staff located nationwide is ~$3 million.Ensure that all orders are placed with the appropriate supplier to ensure the best balance of price and quality and in keeping with client group needs and established purchasing agreements/contractsMonitor and report order tracking status to program group stakeholders for all ASPCA remote locations or where locations may be shared among multiple program groupsServe as an ASPCA subject matter expert in purchasing processes, particularly relative to Workday's Procurement module, including maintaining supplier product catalogs for ordering, monitoring system performance and functionality, and providing hands-on training or consultative support to internal client groups and leadership.Assist in maintenance of shared database of vendor information for informed decision-making in purchasing.Assist program groups in establishing all necessary supplier accounts (including centralized billing details) for all new ASPCA locationsMaintain up to date status of items on backorder and alert departments when items are available, or recommend appropriate substitutions or alternative suppliers as needed to keep business processes running without interruptionFill special orders for clients/employees/other departments on as needed basisComparison shop whenever necessary to obtain optimal prices and proactively recommend cost-saving alternatives to department and program group leadershipFollow inventory par levels, adjusting to meet fluctuating needs, and order appropriate replenishment for all internal client departments, preventing stockouts and overstocksCollaborate with program groups in meeting inventory and purchasing goals, including budget goals and understanding of any variancesModel/encourage a healthy and balanced working environment for self and team using communication, flexibility, and support by strategically prioritizing and completing work projects and tasksExternal Supplier Management:Oversee purchase order tracking and vendor performance, ensuring suppliers meet their obligations to the ASPCASupport selection of best choice suppliers and submit all approved purchase orders to designated vendors in compliance with negotiated purchasing agreements/contractsCompliance:Coordinate with medical staff and Internal Audit on the maintenance and reporting of controlled substances purchases, to ensure compliance with DEA/DOH requirementsMaintain awareness of ASPCA purchasing policies, such as those necessary for government contractors or other legally required obligations, and ensure complianceExemplify the ASPCA's Core Values:Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animalsDemonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomesBelieves in Team that we are stronger togetherSeeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possibleFocuses on Impact, specifically making change for animalsQualifications:Highly organized and must be able to multitask, manage competing demands/priorities, and thrive in a dynamic, high-energy environment of tight timelines and multiple stakeholders with diverse prioritiesAbility to take information from internal clients and other sources and make informed decisions about product specifications, best available pricing, and quantities required for smooth program operationMust take initiative to identify customer needs and improvement opportunities and act quickly to capitalize upon themMust be able to independently manage tasks and report to leadership upon completion of tasks, or when specific guidance is requiredFlexible and adaptable with organizational growth and changing needs/requirementsCareful attention to detail must be able to error-check own workStrong professional written and verbal communication skills; active listenerFast learner with the ability to retain information and work with various systems simultaneouslyAdvanced computer skillsCustomer service orientation with ability to build lasting stakeholder relationships with internal clients and external suppliersStrong financial and non-financial analytical skills, including Excel. Must be able to perform financial analysis to evaluate costs of alternative goods and service offeringsShare information, advice, and suggestions to help others to be more successfulAbility to develop vendor relationships to facilitate best pricing arrangementsMust possess advanced working knowledge of the following: Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel and Outlook, Internet usage for online ordering, ERP systems (WorkDay experience preferred, but not required)Education and Work Experience:Bachelor's degree or relevant work experienceHigh School Diploma or GED (Required)Minimum of 5 years of professional buying experience is requiredMinimum of three years medical supplies, veterinary hospital, animal welfare organization, or other relevant experience preferredInventory management experience preferredProject management experience preferredAdditional Information:Interest in animal welfare field is requiredExperience working with purchasing and ERP software is requiredPrior work experience in NGO/non-profit sector will be helpful but is not requiredKnowledge of the following items will be very beneficial, but is not required: Animal-related products and medical supplies, Workday Procurement and/or Financial modulesAbility and willingness to travel up to 5% of the time as needed