Buyer

Under the direction of the Director of Purchasing, Business Analytics & Profitability Management, the Buyer is responsible for the fulfillment of customer orders through effective and efficient procurement and inventory management practices for multiple warehouse locations. This position has direct responsibility for purchasing products, materials, equipment, supplies, taking into consideration cost, quality, location, quantity, and lead time. Works cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Accounting, Vendors and Manufacturers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Buying

• Plan procurement for multiple locations for optimal inventory management and customer service
• Keep abreast of changes in the markets and economy as they relate to the supply chain
• Negotiate with vendors to improve cost, terms, quality, service, and inventory management
• Identify and implement cost reductions that positively impact profitability
• Monitor vendor delivery and quality performance and develop improvements
• Assess new vendor capabilities
• Build strong relationships with key vendors
• Recommend purchase strategies as they relate to anticipated changes in products, prices, and supply
• Work with all departments and vendors to plan for promotions and price changes to maximize customer service and profit
• Partner with vendors and other departments to improve inventory turnover
• Work with vendors and other departments to minimize excess, obsolete and short-dated inventory
• Determine purchasing parameters from forecasts, historical sales, and vendor performance
• Analyze backorders and prevent future stockouts
• Communicate the status of backorders to Sales and Marketing and vendors
• Work with vendors and other departments to find alternative products for backorders
• Perform product quotes and bids with vendors
• Source and set up new products and vendors
• Resolve vendor quality incidents and implement preventative measures
• Manage purchase orders to ensure product arrives on time and in stock
• Analyze purchase order requirements and release purchase orders
• Confirm accuracy of purchase orders for price, quantity, and delivery date
• Work with Finance to resolve accounting issues
• Import goods from other countries
• Relocate inventory to improve inventory turnover as needed
• Provide technical training as it relates to purchasing as needed
• Ensure that vendor pricing accurate in the ERP system
• Assist in developing department and company processes and procedures as needed

Business and Performance Management

• Ensure accuracy of vendor and product data in the ERP system
• Confirm accuracy of purchase orders in the ERP system for price, quantity, and delivery date
• Perform all facets of procurement to exceed customer service, inventory turnover, and profitability goals
• Drive cost reductions in the supply chain to improve profitability
• Work with vendors and other departments to improve inventory management strategies
• Communicate effectively with vendors and other departments regarding product developments and the availability of material and supplies
• Follow and support the development of standard operating procedures
• Build strong relationships with key vendors and internal customers
• Uncover root causes and work with vendors and other departments to implement corrective measures
• Perform special projects as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Enthusiasm, initiative, reliability, curiosity, leadership, teamwork, confidentiality, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well with diverse personalities are important attributes for this individual. The candidate must be comfortable negotiating difficult situations to a positive resolution for all parties involved.

High attention to detail, extremely organized, strong planning skills, and professional communication are essential skills for this position. Candidate must be able to problem solve, multi-task, and follow through with urgency. Extremely detail-oriented and organized.

Education and/or Experience: Requires a combined related education and work experience of 5 years. Experience with ERP systems is desired. Purchasing experience in a distribution or animal health industry is desired. A professional certificate or degree and advance knowledge of Microsoft Excel are preferred. Working knowledge, understanding and interest in livestock production agriculture is a plus.

Language Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from vendors, customers, managers, and other employees.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, ratios, unit of measure conversions, percentages, averages, variances, weights, and volume. Capacity to perform calculations in large spreadsheets is preferred.

Other skills and Abilities: Working knowledge, understanding and interest in livestock production-based agriculture. Proficient in Microsoft Office and data management. Experience with ERP systems desired.

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