Associate Buyer

Overview:

Belt Power LLC is a full service distributor and fabricator specializing in the fulfillment of conveyor system requirements for the processing, manufacturing, and material handling industry. We place an emphasis on providing quality, value added components; as well as local service capabilities to support our customers’ needs. Our product line ranges from all types of conveyor belting, conveying equipment and components, belting accessories, hose and fitting products, plastics, gasket, and power transmission products.

Job Summary:

The Associate Buyer’s primary responsibility is the procurement of various materials, equipment, and supplies from qualified vendors in support of Belt Power’s branches. The buyer will be expected to replenish required inventory (utilizing internal inventory first then via procurement), purchase material at the best cost in support of procurement strategy, maintain product related purchasing data, and recommend the most optimal purchasing scenario (UpTo, EOQ, service levels, etc.) given the requirements of each branch, while minimizing Cost of Goods sold via cost, freight, valuation, and obsolescence.

Responsibilities Include:

• Prepare and place purchase orders for inventory.
• Effectively utilize internal inventory for replenishment needs to Slow Moving and Surplus inventory thereby maximizing turns and minimizing carrying costs.
• Manage purchase orders to include update status, expedite where required, receive confirmations, and follow-up on production, shipping, and receipt status.
• Train and achieve deep product knowledge for assigned product lines through training and application experience.
• Regularly evaluate and negotiate price on assigned products.
• Assist branches in locating and purchasing non-stock inventory items.
• Regularly meet with and cultivate relationships with vendor partners to discuss stocking, purchasing and inventory strategies focused on maximizing service and profitability.
• Assist internal customers, i.e. accounts receivable / payable, finance, etc. with issues related to price, customer terms, and receiving.
• Research and analyze market data associated with assigned products.
• Make recommendations for consolidation of product lines, based on price, performance, and market demand to enable the company to capitalize on increased buying power.
• Verify that purchase orders have been processed accurately and expedite orders as necessary.
• Maintain open communications with the Business Leaders, sales staff, and category leaders to ensure all requirements are met in a timely fashion.
• Conduct regular reviews with Business and product/category leaders to establish and support effective sourcing and stocking strategies supporting business goals.
• Perform other duties to support inventory management / procurement efforts as assigned.
• Monitor inventory reports to ensure appropriate stocks levels.
• Actively engage in training as assigned by the Purchasing Manager to develop basic knowledge and skills in the field of Supply Chain Management.
• Perform other duties to support inventory management / procurement efforts as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial distribution or related field, may be substituted for relevant experience.
• Entry level position with 0- 2 years of relevant experience (2 in lieu of a degree.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook is a must.
• Prophet 21 ERP knowledge is strongly preferred.
• Ability to conduct basic financial analysis to determine and execute best cost replenishment decisions.
• Ability to confidently and professionally interact with vendors and internal customers to negotiate price, fill unique procurement needs, solve discrepancies, etc.
• Candidate must be able to prepare reports, analyze statistical data, demonstrate knowledge of market and competition.
• The Associate Buyer will be privy to company sensitive and proprietary information and is expected to treat this information in a confidential manner at all times.
• Be willing to travel as required for vendor meetings, branch visits, or other needs as directed.

Desired Characteristics:

• High degree of accuracy attention to detail, and exactness is extremely important in this position.
• Ability and desire to quickly learn new processes and systems.
• Reliability, integrity, accuracy, team work, positive attitude, organized, intelligent, proactive, and adaptable.
• High initiative self-starter
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• High sense of ownership.
• Customer service oriented.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds and will require manual dexterity and strength in arms.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position in office. Typical workdays and hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Occasional travel, overtime hours, and weekend work may be required.

Pay Ranges: $50,000 - $60,000 a year