Purchasing Associate- Avendra Strategic Accounts Universal

Purchasing Associate- Avendra Strategic Accounts Universal

The Purchasing Associate, Universal, is an Avendra representative dedicated to the client's purchasing needs. The position will be based in the Frisco, TX area. The primary role of the Purchasing Associate, Universal, is to fulfill the business purchasing needs as agreed with the client. In this role, the Purchasing Associate builds account relationships from a service perspective, ensuring high customer satisfaction.

Position Reports to Senior Director, Account Management, Universal

Job Responsibilities

• Create and Place PO orders. Source and gain approval for substitute products for out of stocks.
• Investigate and work with distributors to resolve delivery, out of stock, or other challenges.
• Adjust par levels seasonally and order products for catering events as they take place.
• Gain feedback from Universal about stock level changes such as seasonality, new products, discontinued products.
• Request credits from distributors for missing/damaged products.
• Obtain QA approval for all new products before they are ordered such as approving spec sheets, nutritional's, and allergens.
• Communicate proactively and effectively with client stakeholders and suppliers.
• Build and foster relationships and effectively partner with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, collaborating with respective ordering locations.
• Assist suppliers with vendor set-up with Universal.
• Perform data/spend analysis to identify opportunities for cost reduction/inventory management.
• Act as liaison with vendors to ensure organizational needs are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Travel (up to 10%) to client meetings & events as needed,
• Provide support for additional projects as needed.

Primary Competencies

• Planning and Organization
• Project Management
• Problem Solving & Analytical Skills
• Effective Written and Oral Communications
• Conflict Management
• Relationship Building
• Influencing Others (P3 and above)

Other Duties

Please note this role description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Physical Demands. This is largely a sedentary role with some light lifting of files possibly needed.

Qualifications

Role Requirements

• Ability to learn and use ordering platform(s)
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must have strong multitasking capabilities, project management skills, and the ability to work effectively in an environment with tight deadlines.
• Must be self-directed and able to work independently but also able to work collaboratively with various representatives of the client and with other Avendra associates.
• Proven ability to foster and maintain working relationships, internally and externally.
• Excels in a fast-paced environment and can quickly pivot to meet schedules.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships.
• The ability to use "good business judgement" and balance being an advocate for the client's interests, Avendra and its contracted suppliers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills
• Highly comfortable with firm confidentiality requirements

Years of Relevant Experience

2-3 years of experience in operations or a purchasing role

Education Requirements

Associate's degree preferably in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Management, or related degree.