Buyer/ Purchasing Agent

Job Description

Howard Technology Solutions is Mississippi’s leading retailer of brand name computers, consumer electronics, computer-related accessories, technology supplies and complete technology solutions. Our talented team is our driving force behind our world class customer service, our continuous growth, and our increasing success. With Howard Industries Inc. being our parent company (Over 4000 employees and 1 billion in revenue) and great brands such as HP, Lenovo, Cisco, Microsoft and Epson, we have rapidly gained market share in the industry and are looking to expand our team to help us take our company into the future.

Responsibilities

• PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
  
  • Purchase parts and products from distributors and manufacturers to fill customer orders and maintain inventory
  • Have an in depth understanding of their product lines as well as purchasing processes
  • Review and analyze purchase orders for the assigned product lines
  • Establish and maintain vendor partner relationships
  • Work with partners as well as Sales to make necessary changes to purchase orders to fulfill those for our customers in a timely manner
  • Explain important internal processes to our vendor partners and Account Managers
  • Create processes with our vendor partners that align with our business
  • Continually update the status of aging purchase orders, follow up with partners for information on scheduled shipments
  • Maintain part # information within HOWARD TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS database, updating pricing and any additional product line instructions that need to be provided to Sales
  • Negotiate pricing for HOWARD TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS to achieve the best pricing discount
  • Participate in conference calls with our vendor partners and our internal customers
  • Responsible for flow of information from our partners to HOWARD TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
  • Provide guidance to fellow coworkers and promote best business practices
  • Maintain internal customer relationships with different departments by maintaining professionalism and courtesy when working with others
  
  ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  
  • Able to work with vendor partners on improvement to the current process
  • Assist in customer services requests
  • Can take initiative to dig into issues and process inefficiencies with the partner, not waiting for management direction
  • Reconciles invoices with PO’s in preparation for payment process
  • Maintain accurate delivery dates in the system
  • Respond to CSR’s within 24 hours
  • Respond to emails within 2 hours
  • Handling escalated issues when necessary
  • Working with the team to manage daily workflow so that all inquiries are responded to by close of business
  • Evaluate current processes and work on recommendations with management
  • Requires instructions only on new procedures, but is able to determine how to proceed when given new lines
  • Has a solid understanding of the job requirements and responsibilities and applies acquired skills in a day to day business

Skills/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree is preferred
  Minimum 2-3 years of Purchasing experience is preferred
  Experience in technical purchasing is preferred
  1-2 years of experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and email applications
  Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  Ability to problem solve and multi-task
  Must be detail focused
  Must be able to work independently and in a team oriented environment
  Must be able to communicate effectively and in a constructive manner with Management, Peers and Coworkers
  Equal Opportunity Employer Vet/Disabled

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K Retirement
• Education Reimbursement
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacations