purchasing-category coordinator

ABOUT US: Lyons Specialty Company., LLC is an independent wholesale distributor servicing 500+ accounts in convenience store retail and foodservice across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. We are a family owned and operated business with over 100 years of stability, experience, and success. Our success is based on a strong commitment to maximizing the potential of our customers and employees alike. We are dedicated to adding value and supporting the internal growth of our talented and committed team

ABOUT THE ROLE:

SNAPSHOT: The Purchasing-Category Coordinator is responsible for managing the procurement process and activities within assigned product categories, ensuring optimal inventory levels, cost efficiency, and supplier performance. The instrumental objective for the role is to ensure that the right products and quantities are readily available to maximize sales and profitability and drive sustainable growth for Lyons Specialty Co and our customers.

• LOCATION: Lyons Specialty Co., Port Allen, Louisiana
• DEPARTMENT: Purchasing Department
• COMPENSATION: Hourly (ranges based on experience)
• COMMITMENT: Full-Time (Monday-Friday typically 8:00am – 5:00pm)
• BENEFITS: Health, Dental, Vision, Basic Life, Short/Long Term Disability, PTO, Holiday Pay, 401K

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in developing and implementing procurement strategies for assigned product categories.
• Conduct market research to identify and evaluate suppliers based on factors such as cost, quality, reliability and delivery.
• Build and maintain working relationships with key vendors.
• Negotiates the best pricing, delivery terms, and financial conditions of vendor agreements. Reviews and renews existing vendor contracts.
• Prepares purchase orders and maintains purchasing records. Processes vendor bill backs.
• Communicates to vendors and reviews purchase requisitions regarding product verification and availability, quantities, order status, changes, cancellations and delivery timelines.
• Manages and monitors inventory levels, validates delivery schedules, and handles issues.
• Coordinates and reorders inventory cycles based on usage patterns and lead times.
• Maintain accurate records of inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock levels to meet customer demands while avoiding overstocking and cuts.
• Reduce costs that have a direct impact on the company's bottom line. Decrease excess inventory and design exit strategies for unsuccessful and/or discontinued products.
• Analyze data to determine / capitalize on industry and consumer trends. Help to forecast future purchasing needs based on customer orders patterns.
• Research new items / programs to develop best in class concepts related to managed products.
• Creates strategy, impactful promotions, and long-term plans for development of product categories that drive sales efforts and customer adoption.
• Collaborates with sales and marketing departments to source, identify, market, and promote product lines and new items.
• Provides regular updates and reports on purchasing activity, cost control and any issues to the Purchasing Director.
• Attend annual tradeshow, partnership conference, training programs and workshops.

Requirements:

ABOUT YOU:

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma. Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years professional experience in procurement, supply chain, category management and / or purchasing preferred.
• Must be capable of learning and excel in a specialized procurement / purchasing software program.
• Strong computer knowledge. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and customers.

KEY ABILITIES & SKILLS:

• Proactive, organized, and capable of working independently as well as collaboratively with a team environment.
• Processes information with high levels of accuracy and detail. Deadline and results driven.
• Willing and able to work hard in a fast-paced, schedule driven environment with time pressures to complete work efficiently and effectively.
• Communicates professionally with all levels of management, vendors, and customers in-person, over-the-phone, and in-writing.
• Problem-solving, conflict management, critical thinking, and decision-making.

VALUABLE CHARACTERISTICS (that define Lyons Specialty Co. Culture):

• Pride – Being and doing your best even when no one else is looking.
• Passionate – The internal drive for individual, team, and company.
• Adaptable – A willingness to change when necessary.
• Resourceful – Using existing tools and processes to execute responsibilities timely and accurately.
• Winning – Self-motivated and goal-driven to go out and win the day – EVERY DAY

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Applicable candidates will be required to submit authorization and successfully complete Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal Background Investigation, and Drug / Alcohol Test.

The above information is intended to describe the general nature, preferred abilities, and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment.

Lyons Specialty Co., LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to individual's race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.