Buyer

Position Summary* describes the purpose of this position and why the job exists.
Coordinate and identify suppliers of product, negotiate price and quantity terms and establish long-term contracts to ensure adequate supply of high quality products for Foodservice Distribution at competitive prices. Maintain established service levels for product in-stock. Assist with special order requests. Functions as a team member within the department and organization, as required, and performs any duty assigned to best serve the company.

Major Functional Responsibilities lists the most important functions of the position, in order of importance with emphasis on what is required and the result to be accomplished in the position rather than how it is done.
Duties
Select vendors based upon their ability to provide a continuous supply of product; overall service level; responsiveness to the market as shown through product innovation; quality and value of product; relationships with competitors; and their understanding of the marketplace.
Maintain relationships with vendors by resolving problems with invoicing, product, or delivery to ensure quality service and longevity of relationships.
Select product based upon application to our market, product performance, alternate sources of supply, and overall reputation of vendor.
Negotiate prices and quantities ordered based upon customer orders, economic order point (volume discount vs. efficient utilization of warehousing space), promotion of product, and overall market conditions.
Negotiate long-term contracts based upon same considerations and need for continuous supply.
Service distribution centers for emergency situations through obtaining product and delivery on an expedient basis.
Provides product and pricing information to sales force and make recommendations regarding pricing structure for product lines based upon volume and margin considerations.

Performs other related duties as assigned.