Purchasing Agent

BECOME OUR BEST INGREDIENT...

Bring your talent to the mix at Empire Merchants, a world-class distributor of fine wines and spirits. Quality people are our best ingredient for success in this thriving, established industry. We are currently seeking exceptional people looking to grow their careers at a premier Distributor of Choice that serves more than 10,000 NY Metro area restaurants, hotels, clubs and retail outlets. In return, Empire Merchants can offer you the perfect combination of competitive benefits and compensation, superior industry training on all levels along in a fun, high-energy environment.  Want to look forward to Mondays?

POSITION SUMMARY

A Purchasing Agent is responsible for the forecasting, order planning, purchasing, recordkeeping and item maintenance for the brands and items of all assigned vendors.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESULTS

• Forecasts sales by: using data and information from sales, Business Management, suppliers and sales history.
• Plans orders by: utilizing the forecasting system and maintaining custom forecasts to aid in the purchasing process while also providing replenishment information.
• Reviews order requests from sales, Business Management and suppliers. Performs analysis related to inventory needs, amount of overstock, financial and/or storage considerations.
• Purchases product by: applying critical thinking to the analysis of vast amounts of data in various forms, using multiple methods to analyze this data; preparing and submitting purchase orders that meet company objectives as well as supplier requirements.
• Maintains proper inventory levels by:  consistent review of inventory levels using various available reports and forecasts; close attention to the supplier order confirmations; regular meetings with sales, Business Management and suppliers.
• Maintains excellent records of information used to prepare orders, the orders themselves, the confirmations and receipt information.
• Performs item maintenance by:  updating or changing forecasts; review of receipts to verify vintages; changes in item specifications or characteristics such as size, pack, weight, vintage, use-up, obsolescence.
• Develops strong working relationships with sales, Business Management and suppliers through regular and continual communication via email, phone and personal meetings.
• Manages exceptions by: communication with sales, Business Management, suppliers and any necessary Empire Merchants associates.
• Achieves work objectives by gathering pertinent data, identifying and evaluating options, and choosing a course of action.
• Maintains organization’s stability and reputation by keeping information confidential.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Associate or Bachelor degree preferred

EXPERIENCE:

• Three or more years Wine and Spirits industry experience preferred, or

• Three or more years Logistics/Supply Chain industry experience

SKILLS:

• Analytical ability
• Computer proficiency
• Interpersonal
• Mathematical ability
• Organizational skills
• Problem solving
• Product knowledge preferred
• Verbal communications
• Written communications

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

Benefits offered for this role include:

• Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000 and annual bonus potential
• 16 Observed Holidays, Health Plan options (medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, life insurance, parental leave, and other voluntary plans), 401K (with Company Contributions), PTO, vacation accrual, Flexible Spending Account and Pre-Tax Transit Commuter Program, industry certifications (WSET), tuition reimbursement and more.
• The range is an estimate for this position.  The company will evaluate a specific candidate's education, skills and experience when making an offer.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision and Ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a normal business office environment

Salary : $65,000 - $70,000