Associate Buyer

Introduction Are you the type of person who plans 5 steps ahead—who can juggle multiple tasks and solve problems before others even see them? Find a career where your skills are in demand. Overview What We Do: We calm the confusion of IT by guiding the connection between people and technology. If a customer is looking for a better way to manage their warehouse inventory, equip their workforce, or secure their data, we make it happen. All it takes is finding the right combination of tech hardware, software, cloud solutions, and support services. That’s what we do. We’re the IT Department’s IT Department. Who We Are: Our team is made stronger by a multitude of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. It’s what makes Connection unique—what drives us to innovate and create technology solutions that stand apart from the crowd. We’d love for you to be a part of that fabric, to share your ideas and experiences with a team that thrives on fresh thinking, creativity, and helping others. Why You Should Join Us: You’ll find supportive teammates and a rewarding career at Connection—plus great benefits. We take pride in supporting employees with a total rewards package that provides financial, emotional, and physical resources for you and your family. Our compensation, 401k plans, medical insurance, and other benefits are progressive and competitive. We value the importance of our employees’ emotional well-being. To support employees, we provide free therapy visits, mental health coaching and tools, and meditation resources. You’ll also enjoy a generous paid time off package that includes not only vacation and sick time, but also Wellness and Volunteer Time Off days. Working under supervision of the Senior Manager, Purchasing, the Associate Buyer participates in the management of specific vendor lines. The Assoc Buyer is authorized to negotiate best prices for the company. The Assoc Buyer is responsible for investigating and resolving product packaging issues. The Assoc Buyer represents the company in resolving receiving issues. The Assoc Buyer acts as agent for company for internal problem resolution. The Assoc Buyer participates in new contract terms and pricing for new products and vendors. The Assoc Buyer is responsible for vendor management and improving vendor relations. Responsibilities Procures product at aggressive pricing through multiple sources. Prepares purchase orders in accordance with company policy. Creates SKUs for sales order placement. Determines best source of supply, and second/third supply option. Tracks and manages virtual and/or drop ship inventory to support sales and web activity. Maintains SKU status to support sales and web activity. Negotiates lowest cost possible. Expedites purchase orders and updates ETAs. Works on price protection claims and follows through with necessary sell price changes. Reviews of vendor & distributor promotions. Analyzes and takes action as necessary on backorder report. Works on forecasting suggested stocking levels (if applicable). Works to minimize excess inventory. Evaluates non-productive SKUs. Resolves product-packaging issues. Resolves receiving issues. Obtains return authorizations for stock rotations and customer returns. Communicates with Sales, Tech Support, Returns, Credit, A/P, Finance, I/S, Customer Service, Receiving, Ad Production, Supply Chain, and Management. Acts as an agent for Problem Resolution. Responds to internal communication through PCC Call Tracker/Case Management system. Cases are addressed timely and accurately to facilitate sales inquiries. Works with Product Marketing Managers in product consideration. Orders product for evaluation where applicable. Works on negotiating contract terms/pricing. Improves vendor relations by attending vendor meetings and assisting in vendor presentation prep. Requirements Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite with ability to create a document or simple spreadsheet. Good communication skills, time management, analytical and problem-solving ability, and leadership potential. Self-directed and well organized. Because of the possibility for fraudulent job postings on many popular job boards, please be advised that Connection will never offer a position of employment without a complete interview process and communication with a “live person." #J-18808-Ljbffr