Buyer

Position Overview : We are seeking a data-driven and results-oriented Buyer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for optimizing our inventory levels, managing purchase orders, and building strong vendor partnerships. Your efforts will directly impact our ability to meet customer demand, control costs, and improve operational efficiency. This position requires analytical problem-solving, attention to detail, and a strategic approach to procurement and inventory management.  We are looking for an "A Player" who is committed to having zero backorders. About Us : Our mission is to keep people safe and buildings compliant through innovative fire protection and life safety solutions. By transforming building safety into a competitive advantage, we partner with organizations to simplify and reimagine how buildings survive and thrive. We aim to disrupt the fire protection industry. Key Responsibilities 1. Inventory Forecasting Developing and maintaining statistical forecasting models to predict future inventory needs based on historical data, seasonality, and market trends Collaborating with sales, operations, and finance teams to gather qualitative insights that impact inventory requirements Creating and adjusting forecasts on a rolling basis (typically 12-18 months out) with regular review cycles Success Measure : Maintain an “On Time” Percentage (orders sent same business day) of 90% or higher 2. Purchase Order Management Creating, issuing, and maintaining purchase orders based on inventory requirements and forecast Negotiating and enforcing vendor compliance with delivery schedules, pricing, and quality standards; target resolving discrepancies in less than five business days. Managing the full purchase order lifecycle from creation through receipt and payment authorization Maintaining vendor master data and purchase order documentation for audit purposes Success Measure : Maximize product availability within monthly budget constraints 3. Stock Level Optimization ​​ Developing and maintaining optimal min / max inventory levels across all SKUs and storage locations Analyzing and implementing ABC inventory classification strategies to prioritize stock management Monitoring and adjusting safety stock levels based on demand variability and lead times Identifying and managing slow-moving or obsolete inventory to minimize carrying costs Success Measure : Maintain 95% stock availability for high-turnover items to meet customer demand 4. Vendor Communication Building and maintaining day-to-day relationships with key vendor contacts Tracking vendor performance on delivery times and order accuracy Following up on shipment delays, quality issues, and pricing discrepancies Success Measure : Maintain a 24-hour or less response time from all vendors 5. Vendor Negotiations Securing the best possible unit costs through volume consolidation and timing of orders Negotiating pricing for individual purchase orders and routine inventory replenishment Following up on quotes and comparing pricing across approved vendors Success Measure : Reducing purchasing costs by .05% year-over-year (% of revenue). Key Challenges Making interconnected decisions across vendor pricing, stock levels and forecasting where each action creates competing ripple effects between costs, capacity and accuracy Balancing rapid decision-making with the need to analyze multiple data sources across inventory, forecasts, vendor performance and pricing Managing conflicting risks across stock-outs, excess inventory, vendor dependency and cost savings during market volatility Qualifications Required Skills & Experience : 3  years of experience in inventory management, buying, procurement, or supply chain operations Advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, data visualization) and familiarity with forecasting tools Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in data-driven decision-making Experience with ERP systems, particularly in inventory and purchasing modules Track record of successful vendor negotiations and relationship management Experience managing stock levels and purchase orders in a 500 SKU environment Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail Organizational skills to manage multiple vendors and ongoing projects simultaneously Preferred Skills : Familiarity with industrial supply, automobile, or fire protection industries Familiarity with eCommerce and B2B businesses What We Offer Healthcare Benefits : Options for medical, dental, and vision coverage 401K with Company Matching : Helping you plan for your future Paid Time Off : 14 days PTO, plus 6 Federal Holidays and the Day After Thanksgiving Supportive Team Environment : Join a collaborative and engaging culture with regular team outings like putt-putt golfing, chili cookoffs, escape rooms, bonfires, cookie competitions, and baseball games Office Dog : Plato, our office dog, is always ready to play when you need a break Growth Opportunities : Professional development and the chance to make a tangible impact on the fire protection industry We use the TopGrading methodology to ensure we hire and retain high-performing individuals aligned with our values and goals. Ready to optimize our inventory and purchasing operations? If you're a detail-oriented, data-driven professional passionate about improving operational efficiency, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and help us redefine the future of building safety.   Powered by JazzHR