What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Specialist/Buyer position at DWF Wholesale Florists?
Corporate Purchasing & Procurement Specialist
Function:
The Corporate Purchasing & Procurement Specialist manages procurement strategies and purchasing activities across multiple branches within the floral industry. This role ensures optimal inventory levels, vendor partnerships, and cost-effective purchasing solutions while collaborating with branch managers to assess market trends, streamline operations, and enhance profitability.
Key Responsibilities:
Procurement & Vendor Management
- Source fresh product from domestic and international growers, wholesalers, and suppliers.
- Review and adjust pricing based on company benchmarks, i.e. margins, dump and shrink.
- Negotiate pricing, quality standards, and supply contracts with floral vendors to ensure consistency across branches.
- Monitor seasonal trends, holidays, and industry demand fluctuations to ensure adequate product availability.
- Oversee quality control processes to maintain freshness, stem length, color consistency, and product durability.
- Support COO in building strategic vendor partnerships to secure exclusive floral offerings and competitive pricing.
Collaboration & Market Analysis
- Work closely with branch managers and sales teams to assess customer preferences, seasonal trends, and regional purchasing demands.
- Analyze historical sales data and forecast floral demand to optimize purchasing decisions.
- Conduct competitive research on pricing, merchandising strategies, and new floral product trends.
Technology & Data Analysis
- Utilize floral industry-specific procurement systems (e.g., Traze) to track inventory, vendor performance, and purchasing trends.
- Maintain accurate and timely purchase orders (POs), invoices, and inventory records across all branches.
- Generate POs immediately upon purchase to ensure accuracy in operations and reporting.
- Review reports for purchasing efficiency, cost savings, and floral dump reduction strategies.
Operational Support
- Ensure optimal rotation of fresh floral inventory to minimize shrink and maximize product longevity.
- Develop standardized procurement practices for multiple branches to enhance operational efficiency.
- Work closely with logistics teams to coordinate delivery schedules and ensure timely product arrival.
- Work closely with the branch to maintain quality control measures and manage product dumps to maintain profitability.
Qualifications:
- Intermediate skillset in procurement software and Microsoft Excel.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Horticulture, or a related field preferred.
- 3 years of purchasing experience in the floral, wholesale, or perishable goods industry.
- Strong knowledge of floral seasonality, grading standards, and post-harvest care practices.
- Experience working with floral suppliers, growers, and logistics partners.
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to forecast demand and manage inventory levels effectively.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and adapt to shifting market demands.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Boise, ID 83702
Salary : $60,000