Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

**We welcome candidates who live within 50 miles of any Handy Distribution branch. Please review our website for a list of locations. This position is not home-based but offers the flexibility to work from a branch location rather than the Lynchburg Corporate Office.**

SUMMARY

Coordinates activities involved with procuring and replenishing inventory goods based on assigned product/vendor groups for the organization in order to achieve inventory and customer service objectives by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned)

• Responsible for monitoring and evaluating inventory levels and initiating purchase orders for assigned product/vendor groups to maximize profitability by balancing carrying cost, ordering cost and transportation cost.
• Maintains computer-based procurement records including costs, buying multiples, carton quantities, vendor minimums, load factors (includes weights and measures), service level objectives, forecasts, and lead times.
• Maintains procurement records such as items purchased, costs, delivery performance, product quality or performance, and inventories, utilizing spreadsheets, graphics, word processing, and/or presentation computer software.
• As a member of the Buyer/Product Manager team, meets with vendor representatives to gain an understanding of product changes, lead time, service and quality issues.
• Participates in Supplier Performance reviews.
• Works closely with Product Managers, Operations personnel, vendors and others to determine root cause and initiate corrective action for defective or unacceptable goods.
• Monitors and reports damaged/dead/overstocked inventory in order to expedite the handling of this material via the sales department, vendor returns, transfers and /or scrapping.
• Interfaces with Accounts Payable to approve disputed invoices for payment. This may involve contacting the vendor to correct invoice pricing vs. quoted pricing.
• Travels as necessary for meetings with vendors, branch sales staff and training.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None required. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university; or 1-2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

After a training period of six months a buyer should be able to satisfactorily complete Level I of the purchasing software advanced Buyer certification testing. With the next 12 months Level II and III certification testing should be successfully completed.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to monitor inventory levels, forecast demand, and initiate purchase orders to optimize profitability and service levels.
• Proficient in maintaining procurement records and vendor data using spreadsheets, ERP systems, and related software tools.
• Skilled in balancing inventory carrying costs, ordering costs, and transportation costs to support operational and financial objectives.
• Experience in evaluating supplier performance, identifying service and quality issues, and working collaboratively to implement corrective actions.
• Capable of resolving invoice discrepancies and coordinating with vendors and accounts payable to ensure accurate procurement and payment processes.
• Ability to monitor and manage excess, damaged, and obsolete inventory through interdepartmental coordination and vendor returns.
• Effective in communicating with vendors, internal departments, and sales teams to align inventory management with product and service goals.
• Comfortable participating in supplier meetings, training sessions, and branch visits to support ongoing product and vendor knowledge.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for reporting, data analysis, and presentation development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a structured, deadline-driven procurement environment.
• Skilled in procurement and replenishment software systems such as JDA/BlueYonder; capable of coaching others on system utilization, exception management, and KPI achievement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work involves standing and walking for brief periods of time, but most duties are performed from a seated position. There is potential for eye strain from reading detailed materials and looking at a computer screen. Work normally requires finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination to operate computer keyboards at a moderate skill level. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

If travel is requested, a valid government driver’s license and an acceptable driving record, as determined by company standards and insurer requirements, are required. All vehicles operated for Company purposes must be legally registered with appropriate government authorities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

FLSA: Non-Exempt