Buyer/Purchasing

ABOUT LCI

The mission of LCI is to provide meaningful employment for the blind and visually impaired. We accomplish this in four ways:

• EMPLOY: We are one of the largest employers of people who are blind, creating meaningful careers and lasting skills that transform their lives.
• BUILD: We create over 2,000 products and distribute thousands more through manufacturing, retail, nationwide distribution, and e-commerce channels. 
• SERVE: Many of our products are sold directly to the federal government. We were pioneers of “base supply centers,” stores on military bases that employ the blind and visually impaired and provide mission-critical supplies to our nation’s military. 
• SUPPORT: We want to end blindness forever. To that end, we engage in philanthropic efforts for research into blindness and treatment for the visually impaired.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Buyer, Purchasing is responsible for the replenishment of raw materials for manufacturing facilities and consulting with suppliers for on time and complete deliveries.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

Durham, NC- Hybrid

Monday-Friday 7:30 AM – 4 PM

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Negotiates buying terms with vendors, including price, margin, and delivery terms.
• Maintains ERP data to accurate reflect updated price lists, ordering parameters and SKU integrity.
• Identify opportunities to streamline purchasing and planning processes. Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Attends buyer meetings.
• Oversees order placement and delivery.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers. Resolve PO/invoice/payment issues in collaboration with the Accounts Payable team. Resolve PO/Receiving issues in collaboration with the DC Team.
• Analyze sales data and inventory levels to identify trends and areas for improvement. Utilize data to inform purchasing decisions and optimize inventory levels.
• Meets with Sales and Customer Service team to get feedback for forecasting to optimize sales.
• Prepares daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly selling reports to analyze performance and make improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business and/or accounting
• CPM or CPIM preferred
• Knowledge of MRP systems, supply chain management, proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Five years’ experience in sourcing field in support of a manufacturing operation environment.
• Significant sourcing and negotiating experience.
• Excellent technical knowledge
• Demonstrated analytical and communication ability
• Excellent problem-solving skills

Why LCI?

• Purpose-driven company driven by principles, not profit
• Reach your highest potential: upward mobility, rewarded through hard work
• Competitive salary and compensation
• Basic Life Insurance at no cost to the employee
• 401(k) with match and Surplus-Sharing Plans
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Ten paid holidays annually
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• On-site Health and Wellness program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)