Buyer I

Job Description

Job Description

Buyer l - Supply Chain  

The Opportunity:  

As a Buyer for Rio Grande, one of the world’s largest jewelry manufacturers and distributors, you will manage the procurement, expediting, fill rate and movement of inventory. You will work closely with a variety of vendors to establish and maintain excellent professional business relationships. In this position you will partner with cross functional departments including Planning, Accounts Payable, Receiving, Returns, Repairs, Manufacturing, Merchandising Management, and sales.

What You'll Do:  

• Manage purchase orders while monitoring supplier shipments and capturing estimated arrival dates
• Expedite POs aggressively to ensure receipt of inventory in the planned time frame 
• Build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure quality service and timely deliveries.
• Maintain accurate supplier lead times and procurement data within system.
• Manage inventory levels in collaboration with Planner/Forecaster team 
• Work with Contracts & Logistics team to plan the most cost-effective in-bound freight for each shipment (which should take into consideration freight charges, handling costs, and other fees) 
• Resolve invoicing discrepancies with Accounts Payable and communicate any pricing discrepancies directly to the Merchant.
• Manage vendor returns

What You’ll Need

2 years of experience in purchasing, including purchasing methods and procedures, techniques of specification, and purchase order management; other related Supply Chain experience may be considered such as inventory management or receiving work orders.

• A CPIM or CSCP (APICS certification) and/or CPSM (ISM certification) is desired 
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with vendors and outside representatives  
• Strong initiative with the ability to identify issues, prioritize work, and take ownership of solutions.
• Self-starter who proactively follows up with suppliers and internal stakeholders to prevent delays.
• Exceptional attention to detail 
• Sees mistakes as learning opportunities
• Be open to constructive feedback and discussion aimed at learning and improving.

Environment:

• Rio Grande is a Metal-Free environment within our operations areas. 
• Office Setting

Schedule:

• Full-Time Monday-Friday during standard hours of operation.

The successful candidate will enjoy a rewarding and challenging work environment. For more information about us please visit:

At Rio Grande, our employees are the heart of our more than 80-year legacy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our culture is guided by our 3R principles: Respect, Responsibility, and Results. We believe in a bias to action mindset that turns ideas into outcomes and in empowering employees to take initiative, grow through continuous learning, and making meaningful impacts every day. Recognized as a 2025 Platinum Award Family Friendly Business, we promote a work-life balance, clear expectations, and a supportive environment, including quality benefits, robust wellness resources, and an onsite fitness facility. Through our employee recognition and community involvement, we celebrate individuality, foster belonging, and ensure every voice is valued. A career at Rio Grande offers more than a job. You’ll join a workplace where your contributions matter and your growth is supported. Your work will help shape the future of the company and support our customers and industry.

Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train, and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other underrepresented class. We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions.

The Reward:
Rio Grande provides a generous benefit package for full-time (30+ hours a week) associates that includes:

• Medical plan with low premium rates and no high deductible (includes dental and vision) and telemedicine
• 401(k) matching program
• Paid time-off benefits, plus an additional seven paid holidays
• Paid life insurance and optional additional life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability
• Flexible spending account
• Pet insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• On-site gym and company wellness program
• Bereavement leave
• Employee discounts at Rio Grande
• Local and national discounts on various travel and entertainment
• Competitive compensation, including an opportunity to share in the profits

Our associates strive for joint accountability. We work together for the success of our stakeholders, and we provide a thoughtful, fun, and creative environment to support them. We encourage professional and personal development through a variety of training opportunities and a focus on promoting from within.

The Company:
Established in 1944, Rio Grande, a Berkshire-Hathaway manufacturer/distributor, has thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle-based company with a highly evolved team-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our guiding principles, The 3 R’s, Respect, Responsibility and Results, on our website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment.

Within our 186,000 sq. ft., solar-powered facility, with covered parking, Rio Grande has sales, marketing, supply chain, IT and administrative offices, a climate-controlled distribution center with more than 40,000 items, and a comprehensive, well-equipped manufacturing operation. Manufactured products include jewelry-making equipment (from basic tools to highly sophisticated induction casting machines) and jewelry components—both die-struck and cast. Capabilities include CAD/CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool & die and electronics/mechanical assembly.