Buyer

Buyer

Summit Stairs & Millwork

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for executing purchasing activities, supporting inventory planning, and coordinating with domestic and international suppliers to ensure continuity of supply and operational efficiency for Summit Stairs & Millwork. This role supports a fast-paced manufacturing and distribution environment focused on stair parts, millwork components, and custom building materials. The Buyer will report directly to the Supply Chain Manager.

The Buyer operates within established procurement policies but applies independent judgment in managing day-to-day purchasing decisions. While strategic elements such as pricing and supplier selection remain guided by leadership, the Buyer plays a key role in driving execution, identifying risks, and improving procurement processes.

Given Summit's global sourcing model, this role will regularly manage overseas vendors, particularly in China, requiring strong coordination across international supply chains, freight timelines, and import logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, manage, and optimize purchase orders to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of materials
• Proactively monitor demand signals and inventory levels to support supply continuity and minimize disruptions
• Serve as a primary point of contact for domestic and international suppliers regarding order status, delivery schedules, and issue resolution
• Coordinate with overseas vendors and freight partners to support import purchasing activities and international shipment timelines
• Anticipate and mitigate supply risks by identifying potential delays or constraints and recommending solutions
• Collaborate cross-functionally with planning, operations, logistics, and warehouse teams to align purchasing activities with business needs
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement data within NetSuite ERP
• Analyze purchasing trends and performance metrics to support continuous improvement initiatives
• Support supplier performance tracking and contribute input to supplier evaluations

Decision-Making Authority

Authorized to:

• Independently manage purchase orders and routine supplier communications
• Prioritize orders and adjust delivery schedules within defined guidelines
• Resolve standard purchasing issues and recommend corrective actions

Escalates:

• Significant supply risks, shortages, or exceptions impacting operations

Provides input but does not have final authority on:

• Supplier selection
• Pricing strategy or changes
• Expedite or premium freight approvals (may recommend when necessary)
• Product substitutions outside predefined parameters

Financial & Operational Impact

• Directly impacts inventory availability, production continuity, and customer service levels
• Decisions influence short- to mid-term operational efficiency and working capital
• Errors may result in supply disruptions, excess inventory, production delays, or increased costs, requiring sound judgment and attention to detail
• Contributes to cost control through effective purchasing execution and supplier coordination

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 3-5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations
• Experience within manufacturing, building products, millwork, stair parts, or related industrial environments preferred
• Import purchasing and international vendor management experience strongly preferred, particularly with suppliers in China
• Strong experience with ERP systems, preferably NetSuite
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required, including proficiency with formulas, pivot tables, lookups, data analysis, and reporting functions
• Working knowledge of international freight, import logistics, and overseas supply chain coordination preferred
• Solid analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication and supplier management skills
• Working knowledge of inventory planning concepts and supply chain best practices

Work Environment & Growth

This role is suited for a developing procurement professional ready to take on greater ownership and accountability in purchasing execution within a manufacturing and distribution environment. It provides opportunities to deepen expertise in supplier coordination, inventory planning, import purchasing, and operational decision-making, with potential progression into senior buyer or management role.