Jr. Buyer

About Us Ausitn Lighthouse for the Blind a non‑profit organization, was founded in 1934 by Dr. Henry L. Hilgartner and other civic‑minded citizens of Austin to provide a setting where blind men and women could come to learn skills and create products that were sold door to door. Today, Austin Lighthouse for the Blind stays true to the mission established in 1934 by providing opportunities for economic and personal independence for people who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf blind by creating, sustaining, and improving employment. We continue to grow and expand the services we provide to blind Texans. Our Core Values guide us in everything we do: LIGHT: L(eadership), I(ntegrity), G(rowth & Innovation), H(eart), and T(eamwork). Austin Lighthouse for the Blind offers a variety of benefits to include 403(b) retirement plan; health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance; employee assistance program; life insurance; paid time off; paid holidays; employee appreciation events; and more. Job Summary The Jr. Buyer supports the purchasing team by managing purchase orders, coordinating vendor deliveries, and assisting with inventory management to prevent supply disruption. This role contributes to smooth day‑to‑day purchasing operations and the overall health of the supply chain by maintaining accurate records, supporting supplier relationships, and ensuring materials are available to meet production and customer requirements. Responsibilities Process and manage purchase orders for direct and indirect materials, ensuring accuracy and timely placement. Track shipments and monitor delivery schedules to ensure on‑time receipt of materials. Coordinate with suppliers regarding order status, pricing, and delivery updates to maintain continuity of supply. Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation, including drop‑shipment orders. Partner with the purchasing team to identify and evaluate new product and vendor opportunities. Support supplier selection and evaluation processes in coordination with lead buyer(s). Assist with Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes, including data gathering and documentation. Assist with total cost of ownership (TCO) calculations and pricing analysis under the direction of senior buyers. Collaborate with Finance and Accounting to resolve price discrepancies and invoice issues. Respond promptly to supply disruptions, coordinating with manufacturing and suppliers to minimize production impact. Periodically review cost history and trends within assigned product categories. Maintain and generate purchasing reports and analytics to support supply chain decision‑making. Complies with and assists other employees understand and comply with TAB's policies and procedures. Behaves in accordance with the key behaviors aligned with TAB's Core Values of Leadership, Integrity, Growth & Innovation, Heart and Teamwork (LIGHT). Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of procurement and purchasing processes, including order management and supplier coordination. Ability to communicate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers regarding orders, pricing, and delivery. Ability to process purchase orders accurately and track deliveries to ensure timely fulfillment. High degree of accuracy in handling orders, data entry, and documentation. Ability to manage multiple tasks, orders, and deadlines concurrently. Ability to support pricing discussions and cost control activities under supervision. Ability to extract and analyze purchasing data to identify discrepancies or trends. Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and their application to purchasing, inventory management, and manufacturing. Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies. Working knowledge of ISO‑9001 quality system requirements as they relate to materials and purchasing. Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Able to read, comprehend and understand information and ideas presented in writing or in alternative form. Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently. Demonstrates sound work ethics. Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity. Supervisory Responsibility None. Communication & Contacts Required Internal: Manufacturing leadership, Finance and Accounting, and Sales teams. External: Suppliers, vendors, and contract manufacturing partners. Decision Making / Judgment Required Exercises independent judgment in routine purchasing activities, inventory management decisions, and purchase order review. Escalates decisions involving significant inventory investment or supplier contract changes to the Supply Chain Department and Cost Accounting Department in accordance with TAB policies and Standard Operating Procedures. Minimum Education and Experience Associate Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's Degree in a related field, or currently in progress. Minimum of 1‑2 years of experience in purchasing, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Exposure to an ISO‑9001 quality system environment. Experience with ERP Syteline or comparable platform. APICS CPIM or CSCP certification, or active pursuit of certification. Physical Requirements Remain in a stationary position (sit/stand) for 4‑8 hours per day. Work at a computer workstation for prolonged periods. Bend, stoop, and adjust position for approximately 20% of the workday. Lift and move up to 25 lbs. occasionally. Work in environments with varying temperatures, including warehouse and production areas. Additional Notes Background Check and Drug Screen required. Internal and external applicants accepted. Verifiable documentation of ability to work in the US. Individuals who are blind or visually impaired are encouraged to apply Austin Lighthouse for the Blind, a non‑profit organization, is an equal opportunity employer / affirmative action employer Austin Lighthouse for the Blind provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetics or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, TAB complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. EEO Poster .pdf Job Posted by ApplicantPro #J-18808-Ljbffr