Junior Buyer

Job Title: Junior Buyer / Material Management Specialist I

Location: Harrison, OH; on-site

Status: Contract; 6 months

Hours: 8am-5pm with 1 hour for lunch

Pay: salaried; exempt; $60k

Summary:

Performs a full range of procurement activities with minimal supervision. Coordinates activities involved with sourcing and procuring goods such as materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and services for the organization by performing the following duties.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Source and purchase goods in a timely manner, while negotiating for the best price, quality, and delivery terms.
• Analyze current inventories and take appropriate action to reduce slow moving or dead stock.
• Ensure proper stocking levels of tools, supplies and consumables to meet customer needs.
• Determine method of procurement, such as direct purchase or quotation.
• Prepare purchase orders or request for quote.
• Review quotations and negotiate contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
• Maintain procurement records such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.
• Discuss and follow-up on defective or unacceptable goods or services with users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action.
• Resolve Accounts Payable discrepancies.
• Expedite delivery of goods to users to ensure delivery on time.
• Follow-up and review past due orders on a weekly basis
• Keep Sales informed of delivery delays.
• Offer alternative products for back-order items.
• Process customer returns every month.
• Assist Sales department with price and delivery requests, as well as customer quotes.
• Take advantage of special promotions from suppliers as appropriate
• Research and source suppliers for new products
• Evaluate the impact of freight expense when placing orders.
• Introduce new suppliers that will improve profitability.
• Establish and develop vendor relationships.
• Present new product opportunities to Sales
• Ensure all work meets the standards of the company

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field of study preferred, and no required years of relevant job experience,
• OR a combination of education and directly related experience equal to four (4) years.
• Knowledge of buying, sourcing, or purchasing principles, preferably within a distribution or resale environment, with an understanding of high-volume, fast-paced purchasing operations, is preferred.
• Strong understanding of freight issues, including estimation of freight expense.
• Familiar with general concepts of Inventory Management
• Solid problem-solving skills, with ability to provide timely and workable solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others in a professional manner.
• Strong planning and organization skills.
• Effective leadership skills.
• Attentive to detail and results oriented.
• Strong business sense, with high initiative and energy.
• Committed to internal/external customer service and satisfaction.
• Exceptional negotiation skills, with demonstrated ability to influence others.
• Flexible and able to change focus as needs/workload dictate.
• Working knowledge of PC applications, including excel/spreadsheet skills.
• Displays initiative.
• Strong analytical abilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to the welding, construction and industrial supply distribution industry would be a definite plus.
• SAP experience is preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Individuals may be required to frequently sit/drive stand, walk, lift/carry, reach, stoop, push/pull, handle/grasp/feel, talk, hear, engage in repetitive motions, and demonstrate eye/hand/foot coordination.
• Close vision is required for this job.
• Employees may be required to occasionally lift, carry, and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Often required to work at a fast pace to meet deadlines, thus some stress may occur.
• Generally favorable indoor office workspace, and/or:
• Occasionally may require exposure to production/manufacturing areas, which may result in being near moving mechanical parts or being exposed to fumes or airborne particles. These respective areas will require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, hearing protection, or hard hats. The noise level in the production/manufacturing areas is usually loud.
• Often required to work at a fast pace to meet deadlines, thus some stress may occur.
• Environmental conditions may include occasional exposure to heat, temperature changes, noise, and humidity.
• Occasionally the performance of this position will require exposure to production/manufacturing areas, which may result in being near moving mechanical parts or being exposed to fumes or airborne particles. These respective areas will require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, hearing protection, or hard hats. The noise level in these areas is usually loud.

**Must be authorized to work in the United States, client is not able to offer sponsorship at this time

**Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check to be eligible for hire

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by governing law.