Supply Chain Inventory Buyer/Analyst

General Summary:

The Supply Chain Inventory Buyer/Analyst is responsible for the daily analysis of the lubricant supply chain operations to include internal and external product purchasing and placement needs, customer service levels, delivery efficiency, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency. This is a fast-paced role that requires a customer service-oriented individual who can engage with vendors, sales staff, logistics and internal warehouses in an efficient manner and in accordance with established procedures and policies.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Manage purchasing, order statuses, and expedited orders with suppliers through effective communication and follow-up.
• Analyze operational and inventory data to identify trends, improve efficiency, minimize inventory investment, and support purchasing and replenishment decisions.
• Review new business to include impact to delivery fleet and sourcing strategy.
• Write intracompany lubricant purchase orders to achieve right product, right place, right time.
• Support Supply Chain Director with ordering responsibilities from major oil companies and other vendors.
• Review common carrier usage for customer deliveries and report any negative impact to profitability.
• Complete inventory analyses and make recommendations for efficient inventory management, including reviewing sales and consumption trends, updating reorder points (ROP) and reorder quantities (ROQ), monitoring inventory levels, and identifying opportunities to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
• Generate reporting for the operations and finance management teams.
• Work to make shared decisions and recommendations concerning schedules, product substitutions, and lead times.
• Collaborate with sales and warehouse operations to ensure on-time purchasing of goods and establish an effective replenishment strategy to meet demand.
• Work with all internal customers and departments while providing excellent communication.
• Work with the Logistics Team to expedite or escalate inbound and outbound freight issues as needed.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university or equivalent purchasing/analytics experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in a supply chain function (buying/procurement).
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Previous experience with a sophisticated ERP system; Oracle/JD Edwards experience a plus.
• General knowledge of lubricant and fuel terminology preferred.
• Ability to make independent fact-based decisions in a quick and responsive manner with minimal supervision.
• Must have strong technical, analytical, critical thinking, problem solving and planning skills.
• Self-starter with ability to take initiative and be an independent thinker.
• Ability to make recommendations and interact with all levels of management, customers, and vendors.
• Commitment to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers with a good sense of urgency.
• Solid customer service skills and ability to build value added relationships.
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, procedure manuals, and guides for operations staff.
• Ability to effectively present information, conduct training, and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.

Position Competencies:

• Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, performing multiple duties/tasks within defined deadlines.
• Proven experience identifying problems of varying complexities and finding effective solutions with few guidelines.
• Responsive to the needs of customers internal and external.
• Sense of urgency and commitment with strong follow up skills.
• Proven precision and attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Demonstrate a professional and positive attitude in all internal and external customer interactions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, and listening skills.
• Self-driven and motivated individual with excellent planning and organizational skills.

Working Conditions:

The work of this position is performed in a controlled office environment. This position requires the ability to work under pressure and communicate with a diverse population including other employees, customers, vendors, etc. This position also requires prolonged periods of sitting in a regular seated position as well as the use of general office equipment including phones, printers, computers, mouse, keyboard, etc. This position is frequently required to walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. This position requires the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

The job description of the Supply Chain Inventory Buyer/Analyst is not inclusive and is subject to changes, additions, and deletions as determined by department leadership.

The McPherson Companies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Vets/Disabled.