Buyer

In this role, you will be responsible for managing day‑to‑day purchasing activities, supporting supplier relationships, and ensuring the timely and cost‑effective procurement of materials and products that support our operations. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams, including Operations, Merchandising, Production, Warehouse, and Finance, to maintain inventory levels, support production schedules, and drive purchasing efficiencies. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, along with experience in supplier negotiations, inventory planning, and strategic sourcing. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on purchasing decisions, supplier partnerships, cost management, and the continued success of our gifting operations. Key Responsibilities Manage daily purchasing activities, including issuing purchase orders, confirming supplier commitments, and ensuring on‑time delivery of materials and products. Oversee inventory flow to align with purchasing forecasts, production schedules, and operational needs. Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers while identifying new sourcing opportunities. Evaluate potential suppliers, negotiate competitive pricing and payment terms, and establish supply agreements as appropriate. Manage purchasing activities across direct and indirect spend categories to support business operations. Partner with Merchandising, Production, Warehouse, Finance, and other internal teams to support inventory planning and purchasing decisions. Analyze purchasing reports, inventory levels, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements. Monitor excess and leftover inventory, collaborating with internal stakeholders to manage reorders, cancellations, and inventory adjustments. Support cost optimization initiatives through supplier benchmarking, competitive bidding, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and supplier performance evaluations. Provide market insights, product samples, and sourcing recommendations to support food and gift product development. Maintain supplier information, vendor catalogs, and purchasing documentation to support efficient operations. Support accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), material cost controls, and inventory management practices. Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes, reduce external spending, and support overall profitability. Monitor purchasing‑related expenses to ensure alignment with departmental budgets. Qualifications Minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, strategic sourcing, planning, or supply chain management. Background in Business Administration, Management, Operations, Materials Management, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent relevant professional experience preferred. Demonstrated experience managing supplier relationships, negotiating pricing, and coordinating purchasing activities. Strong understanding of inventory management, material planning, and manufacturing or production requirements. Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with strong analytical and reporting capabilities. Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams and senior leadership. Highly motivated, detail‑oriented, and proactive approach to problem‑solving. Preferred Qualifications Previous purchasing or procurement experience within the food industry, particularly food ingredients or food manufacturing. Experience using Oracle and/or SAP. Experience supporting product development, supplier evaluations, and cost‑reduction initiatives. Work Schedule & Travel Location: Westerville, Ohio Hybrid Schedule: Four days onsite and one day remote per week. Hours: Generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Additional hours may be required during peak business seasons. Travel may be required as needed. As part of a leading family of gifting brands, our team is committed to quality, collaboration, and operational excellence. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about their work, enjoy solving challenges, and want to contribute to a business focused on helping people connect and celebrate. #J-18808-Ljbffr 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, INC.