Buyer

Job Description

Job Details

Job Title:

Buyer

Job Code:

BUYER

Department:

Procurement

Location:

Duluth, GA

Reports To:

Materials Manager

FLSA Classification:

Exempt

EEOC Classification:

Professionals

Salary Grade:

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Yes No

Job Summary

The primary responsibility of the Buyer is to oversee purchase orders (PO), supplier relationships, and the integrity of Item, Branch, Supplier, and Acquisition Cost data. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the cost-effective, high-quality, and timely delivery of goods while maintaining positive relationships with suppliers, and cross-functional teams. A successful Buyer will drive consistent PO confirmation, proactive supplier engagement, and achieving on-time shipments that support fill rates and align with targeted service levels. As the primary liaison between the company and its external supply base, the Buyer ensures accurate and timely communication of material availability through various tools and systems. Additionally, the Buyer manages a diverse supplier portfolio and millions of dollars of inventory purchases. This position contributes directly to the organization's ability to deliver industry-leading service levels and maximize stakeholder value.

Essential Duties

• Processes purchase requisitions and submits POs to suppliers.
• Maintains accurate PO data (item, quantity, supplier ship date) via the supplier portal.
• Tracks and expedite deliveries to ensure the timely arrival of goods.
• Documents PO acknowledgements and confirmations from suppliers.
• Edits PO lines to align supplier shipping documents for inbound supply visibility.
• Partners with Distribution and Logistics to resolve PO receiving issues (e.g. shortages, overages, damages, and purchase price variances).
• Conducts regular supplier calls focused on key performance metrics.
• Provides performance related feedback to suppliers.
• Monitors the quality of received stock, report any discrepancies, and escalates concerns to suppliers and management for resolution.
• Builds relationships with suppliers and proactively identifies opportunities for improved service and cost savings.
• Provides weekly updates to management on supplier performance, improvement opportunities, and key takeaways from supplier calls.
• Communicates inbound supply plans and provides SKU-level updates on backorder recovery to ensure visibility and alignment across teams.
• Responds to vendor questions and provides order documentation as needed.
• Collaborates with the Demand Planning team to assess supplier capabilities (e.g. lead times, production capacity) and develops plans to achieve service levels.
• Resolves invoice discrepancies, returns, and damaged goods to promote timely payments and credits with suppliers.
• Communicates critical supply chain changes to downstream partners and ensures timely action.
• Conducts regular audits of item, branch, supplier, and acquisition cost data; validates findings with cross-functional teams and implements necessary corrections in the system.
• Completes cost review templates upon receiving cost changes, submits them to the Sourcing Manager for review, negotiation, and approval and updates PO cost accordingly.
• Assists in the maintenance of accurate supplier terms in the system and escalates proposed changes to management for review and approval.
• Coordinates with Finance, Product Development, Management, and Warehouse staff as required.
• Identifies and defines process improvement opportunities to improve procurement efficiency and accuracy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, Abilities and Educational Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business administration or related field, or equivalent combination of education and industry experience
• 3 - 5 years of experience in the fields of PO management and supplier management
• Intermediate experience utilizing computer software such as Microsoft Suite
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Strong organization and interpersonal skills with the ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise
• Impeccable attention to detail with great multi-tasking skills and the ability to be flexible to shifting priorities
• Ability to maintain composure in high-stress environments
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling effective interaction with employees on all levels, including executive leadership, as well as suppliers.

Preferred

• Experience in international buying
• ISM CPSM and/or APICS CSCP, CPIM certification

Key Competencies

Inter-Relationships

Consistent interaction with Operations, Finance, and Sourcing leadership. Also interacts will all levels of employees, as well as outside vendors and other third party agency.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Work Environment

This position works in a professional office setting or manufacturing environment with occasional travel to supplier facilities as needed. Requires the regular use of office equipment including computers, phones, and printers. At manufacturing facility will frequently be exposed to seasonal temperatures of excessive cold or heat as well as loud noise, dusty and/or dirty due to materials produced.

Physical Demands

Demand:

Frequency

Hear

Frequent

See

Frequent

Sit

Frequent

Talk

Frequent

Type

Frequent

Stand

Frequent

Bend

Occasional

Stoop

Occasional

Reach

Occasional

Drive

Occasional

Repetitive Motions

Occasional

Stand

Occasional

Physical Work

Percentage

Heavy - 25 - 50lb

10-25%

Travel Required

Yes - 10 - 25%, occasional overnight travel

Additional Information

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel.

Job duties outlined in this job description are considered "Essential Functions" and have been formulated in accordance with the guidelines established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The provisions of the American with Disabilities Act (1990) stipulate that employees must be capable of performing the "Essential Functions" of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the "Essential Functions".

DiversiTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.