Purchasing Manager

Purchasing ManagerAre you interested in playing a significant leadership role in continuing the development and growth of a respected wholesale distributor? Have you invested your time and energy honing your purchasing, merchandising, sales and vendor relationship expertise in the wholesale distribution industry? Do you have demonstrated ability to put together and positively coach a winning buying team? Do you have a unique ability to see the big picture of successful supplier / customer relationships and take pride in making a positive difference for both? Does the opportunity to have highly competent leaders, peers and sales teams collaborating with the purchasing department appeal to you? If so, you will find this purchasing leadership role rewarding and one that leads to a lengthy career home.As Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for handling the procurement process, ensuring cost-effectiveness as well as on-time deliveries that align with company objectives. Key roles include managing the corporate purchasing department, optimizing inventory levels, collaborating with cross-functional teams while making strategic decisions and implementing best practices within the procurement function. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a highly respected company's success and be part of a dynamic and growing team in a competitive market. We offer competitive compensation packages, health benefits and a supportive work environment that fosters learning, wellness and professional growth.WHO WE ARE BWI Companies, Inc. is privately held and was founded in 1958 by Bob and Betty Bunch as a retail seed store in Texarkana, Texas. The company began wholesale operations in 1972 and has since expanded to a total of 20 locations, including 8 full line distribution centers across the Mid-south and Southeastern United States. BWI currently distributes products for lawn and garden, animal health, horticulture, professional pest management, and turf markets to garden centers, farm and feed stores, hardware stores, grocery, regional multi-store outlets, greenhouse growers, nursery growers, landscapers, lawn and land care companies, golf courses, and other related outlets.RequirementsESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIESHires and manages corporate purchasing staff, including inventory and direct-to-customer purchases.Oversees the daily workflow and schedules of the department.Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.Collaborates with other departments and leadership to identify and develop needs and requirements for products and acceptable substitutions.Assesses current inventory availability; reasonably predicts future availability based on the market, delivery systems, and other variables.Manages inventory levels to leadership directives utilizing available resources in conjunction with Business Directors.Manages aged inventory levels, including obsolete inventory.Establishing and maintaining measurable performance metrics for all levels of procurement activities including but not limited to supplier performance, internal order processes, buyer performance, financial (AP) performance, and possible product elimination.Report to Business Directors on the measurable status of progress and corrective actions as it pertains to supplier performance.Trains and assists in the preparation and processing of purchase orders and requisitions for inventory items.Drafts, explains and implements instructions, policies, and procedures for purchasing and pricing management in conjunction with Business Directors.Reviews purchasing processes, making necessary improvements for future success.Participate in the training process of sales personnel on department processes.Assists in resolving grievances with vendors and suppliers.Maintains and/or implements purchasing and recordkeeping systems.Assists with Business Directors as needed in negotiations with vendors and suppliers.Performs other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Sales.SUPERVISE OTHERS: Yes - Corporate Purchasing TeamBEST Requirements (Skills & Abilities) to be considered for this role:EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from a 4-year College or technical school REQUIRED.EXPERIENCE: Seven to ten years related purchasing leadership experience REQUIRED; multi-location purchasing experience a plus.COMPUTER: Microsoft Office proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); AS-400 preferred.CERTIFICATION: NAPM (A.P.P C.P.M.) or APICS (CPIM, CIRM) certification preferred.BEST Competencies to be considered for this role:Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.Competitiveness - Willingness to strive to get ahead or to finish projects.Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.Change Management – Ability to identify processes needing improvement and to recommend improvements.Skill to encourage others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities.Decision Making - Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures, prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.Leadership - Ability to influence others to perform their jobs effectively and to be responsible for making decisions.Problem Solving – Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.Self-Confident - The trait of being comfortable in making decisions for oneself.Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with co-workers and vendors.Goal-Oriented - Ability to focus on a goal and obtain a pre-determined result.Communication - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven negotiation skills.Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.Confidentiality - The highly sensitive nature of work and information this person manages.Coaching and Development - Ability to provide guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas.Business Acumen - Ability to grasp and understand business concepts and issues. Thorough understanding of inventory distributed by company.BenefitsKey benefits include a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous company match, excellent health, dental & vision care plan options, flexible spending account and health savings account options, life & disability insurance, two to four weeks paid vacation, 8 paid company holidays and a generous scholarship fund for dependents.