Hardgoods Buyer

Overview Hard Goods Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing hard goods to ensure high-quality products at best possible prices. The buyer collaborates with Sales and Production to meet event product needs and reports to the Controller. Traits for Success Adept at sourcing materials Keen eye for design aesthetics and trends Strong negotiation skills Ability to leverage pricing and discounts Attention to detail Highly organized Essential Duties Fulfill requisitions for event materials Research and identify potential suppliers Evaluate existing suppliers on quality, reliability, cost, and delivery Manage inventory levels to balance availability and minimize excess Communicate with Sales and Production departments promptly Resolve product or availability issues tactfully to achieve optimal outcomes Provide excellent internal and external customer service Follow up on arriving products with Processing and Receiving departments Approve accounts payable using purchase orders and matching receipts Calculate freight utilization and optimize costs Request freight details from Logistics and enforce pickup cut‑off times and requirements Communicate product status to Buyers, Production, and Sales in an organized manner Develop processes to inform stakeholders of changing product availability Recommend process improvements for productivity, efficiency, safety, and quality Research new purchasing supply chains and vendors; establish and maintain relationships Attend tradeshows to research and purchase new products Additional Duties & Safety Requirements Work extended hours during peak production season as needed Comply with company safety guidelines, procedures, and rules Mentor safe work practices to co‑workers and team Complete safety training within established timelines Interface professionally with all internal and external stakeholders Track and enter time, assign hours, and tasks in the attendance system Complete Human Resources and Payroll tasks via the Employee Self‑Service Portal weekly Assist other departments as directed Perform other duties as required Qualifications 3+ years’ experience in hard goods purchasing, preferably in a creative or event décor industry Excellent computer skills and Microsoft Office proficiency, especially Excel Strong math skills, applying fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations Excellent decision‑making, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills Effective interpersonal, tact, diplomacy, and conflict‑management abilities Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to handle pressure, competing demands, and deadlines Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with strong follow‑up Knowledge of event‑management software a plus Project management experience desired Knowledge of event or floral design helpful Some travel required Physical & Work Environment Requirements Use computer 95% of the workday Sit up to 90% of the workday Walk 10% of the workday and move throughout buildings Tolerate moderate noise Have 20/20 vision with correction Responsibilities The Hard Goods Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing high‑quality hard goods at the best possible prices, collaborating with Sales and Production to ensure product availability for all events. Duties include fulfilling requisitions, researching suppliers, managing inventory, approving payables, calculating freight utilization, and developing processes to communicate product status and availability changes. #J-18808-Ljbffr Y-Axis