The Hardlines Assistant Buyer/ Buyer works with manufacturers, distributors, and buying groups, merchandising products, brands, and categories, analyzing turns, GMROI, velocity, and pricing, and assisting buyers in meeting the company's quality, cost, and delivery guidelines. Negotiate to obtain competitive prices, the best product mix/selection, quality, and service. Maintain and grow relationships with manufacturers and suppliers, facilitating pricing, quotes, and placing purchase orders. Merchandising and replenishment at all company locations as needed.

Requirements

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate merchandise selection and prices to ensure the lowest cost. Merchandise and manage brands and products to achieve maximum turns, eliminating slow, non-moving items.
• Manage and maintain pricing/costs for all company locations, achieving company margin and turns as required.
• Build relationships with key manufacturers and vendors to obtain market information, new product updates, and product/purchase promotions.
• Research, analyze, and recommend products and programs within the company's product categories.
• Visit/work with all locations and attend buying/trade shows as necessary.
• Process claims/complaints regarding defective products
• Coordinate with the Finance, Operations, and Legal teams as necessary.
• Communicate supply disruptions, price increases, product/brand updates/changes.
• Provide industry advice to other team members
• Adhere to purchasing policies and procedures.
• Arrange for the appropriate displays and storage of products as needed.
• Establish and maintain positive work relationships with suppliers and external partners. Resolve issues with suppliers in a timely and efficient manner.
• Collaborate with the purchasing team to ensure that inventory levels are kept at appropriate levels and that the inventory management system is kept current and accurate.
• Build suggested orders and inventory reports to achieve optimum inventory levels and turns and eliminate slow-moving items.
• Other reasonable directives, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field
• Three (3) years related experience
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with Bistrack helpful.
• Experience with the building materials industry is helpful.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of industry best practices.

• Strong ability to function in a fast-paced and, at times, stressful work environment.
• A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Office Suite, vendor management, purchasing, and other related software.
• Outstanding ability to strategically plan.
• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Well-developed project and time management skills.

• Continuous sitting and tasks involving repetitive motions using wrists, hands, and fingers are required for periods of 6-8+ hours at a time.
• Occasional walking or standing is required.
• Occasional carrying of weights from 0-25 pounds may be required.
• This job operates in an office environment.
• Travel may be required.