SUMMARY
The Buyer is responsible for assisting the Senior Buyer in the procurement of goods and services required by the organization. This role involves evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that products and services meet the company's standards of price, quality, timing, and reliability.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following (other duties may be assigned):
• Assist in sourcing new suppliers and vendors.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and evaluate supplier performance to ensure compliance with company standards and expectations.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers, including pricing, delivery schedules, and quality requirements.
• Process purchase orders, ensuring accurate terms and timely execution.
• Monitor inventory levels and place orders to replenish stocks as needed.
• Coordinate with internal departments to forecast future purchasing needs and understand product specifications.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging trends and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Stay informed about industry changes that can affect demand and supply dynamics.
• Assist in budget preparation and management activities.
• Prepare regular reports on purchase commitments, costs, and delivery performance.
• Analyze the financial impact of purchasing decisions and seek ways to cut costs and improve efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with the company’s internal policies and external regulations.
• Work closely with the quality control department to ensure the quality of received goods and services.
• Address and resolve issues related to delivery discrepancies, invoice mismatches, and quality non-conformance.
• Provide support on special projects and initiatives as directed by the Senior Buyer.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance procurement processes.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk are typical, as the job often involves working on a computer, handling phone calls, and managing paperwork.
• Frequent use of a computer and other office equipment like printers and scanners, which requires manual dexterity and the ability to operate standard office devices.
• Regular need to move within the office to access files, operate office equipment, and attend meetings.
• Occasionally may need to handle or move objects such as office supplies or small packages, typically weighing less than 20 pounds.
• Depending on the company and the specific nature of the procurement, there might be a need to visit suppliers, manufacturers, or warehouses. This can involve traveling by car, plane, or other means and sometimes walking through large facilities.
• Ability to adapt to different environments, such as industrial settings or external vendor locations, which might require walking, standing, and occasional bending or lifting.
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and/or concrete variables.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Adhere to all safety rules and procedures. Bring unsafe acts and conditions to the attention of the manager. Correct hazards and unsafe conditions. Train other associates in safe work practices. Investigate accidents, near-accidents, and potential hazards. Actively participates in housekeeping activities and in the safety and health program.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in a procurement or purchasing role.
• Strong understanding of procurement and inventory management systems.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and any relevant purchasing software.
Employment Classification: Full Time Hourly Non-Exempt
Duties and responsibilities may be changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.
All employees are at-will employees.
PM23