Buyer - CustomCraft/Dakota Panel

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for assisting the Plant Manager in the purchasing of all items within the plant’s area of responsibility and keeping Midwest Manufacturing’s pricing competitive

Primary Responsibilities:

• Purchasing
  • New Product Lines
    • Research new lines and do all initial line interviews with prospective vendors
    • Choose lines that show purpose and promise.
  • Inventory Replenishment
    • Assist in inventory control by setting up all vendor programs you are responsible for, which will ensure maximum turn and in-stock position
    • Identify any vendors that do not meet Midwest Manufacturing shipping/performance standards and address those vendors
  • Vendors Performance
    • Make sure vendors ship the product ordered on time
    • Engage in consistent communication with Analysts and when necessary address vendors performance for both regular and sale orders
    • Ensure products meet our minimum quality standards
  • Line Review
    • Research existing lines to make sure the product mix maximizes sales, gross margin and return on investment, and meets or exceeds our competition selection
• Merchandising and Marketing Product Lines
  • Assist in merchandising product lines in the stores
  • Assist Plant Manager in marketing product line through the Advertising department
  • Assist the Plant Manager in researching competitive pricing and timeliness of advertising items
  • Proof-read all printed advertising for copy accuracy, this includes in-store signing
  • Ensure the stock status and anticipated needs of merchandise to be advertised
• Proper Reporting of Vendor Agreements
  • Prepare proper documentation of all vendor relationships
  • Make sure all terms, cost, freight, delivery, allowances, billing and disposition of returns are clearly established and approved by the General or Assistant General Plant Manager
  • Ensure all invoices are paid appropriately
• Sales Gross Profit Margin
  • Assist the General and Assistant General Plant Manager in attaining the highest possible sales and gross margin in the competitive market

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a business related field or an equivalent amount of related experience
• Minor in Finance or Accounting and related experience in retail a plus
• Department Management or Associate Buyer experience is preferred but not required
• Must be able to work full-time with the ability to put in overtime (average 50-55 hours per week)
• Travel is required (including air travel)
• Relocation to the Eau Claire, WI area is required