Buyer I

Who We Are

United Utilities Supply, headquartered in Louisville, KY, is recognized as one of the leading material supply organizations serving the rural electric market. United Utility Supply (UUS) is owned by member cooperatives in 20 states. As a full line stocking distributor, UUS supplies a complete line of materials critical to the electric utility industry. This includes Transformers, Conductor, Pole line Hardware, Lighting, Underground Accessories, Grounding Equipment, Guying, Insulators, Protective Equipment, Distribution and Transmission Poles, Utility Tools, and Safety Supplies.


About the Role

This role would assist in purchasing low to medium value and risk goods for United Utility Supply resale. This will include materials for the outside warehouses and consignment locations. Responsibilities include supporting the procurement and sales teams by managing the vendor quoting process, including quote tracking, requisitioning, and analysis. The position maintains accurate records of all quotations, vendor communications, and related documentation. All work is performed under the general supervision of the Procurement Supervisor and the Vice President of Operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Generate and ensure timeliness and accuracy of purchase orders issued to vendors for the purchase of resale material and coordinate consistent purchasing, as needed, to maintain emergency stock while optimizing inventory levels.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Works with internal teams to provide the necessary information for customers during the quotation process, including price, quality, lead time, technical information, documentation, and samples as needed.
• Coordinate and manage quotations in assigned areas of responsibility. Maintain accurate records of all quotations, communications, and related documentation.
• Collaborate with the sales team to prioritize and manage outstanding quotations, ensuring prompt follow-up and resolution.
• Clearly communicate and provide all relevant product and application information, working with sales team and vendors to attain information as needed.
• Problem solve any procurement, vendor, quoting related issues and escalate as appropriate.
• Assists with emergency response efforts, including coordinating storm shipments, alternate products, and expedited delivery with vendors.
• Perform special projects as assigned and be back-up support to the Operations group.

JOB QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Minimum 2 years' procurement or vendor relations experience including contract negotiations preferred,
• Excellent business communication skills (both written and oral),
• Highest level of attention to detail, accuracy and quality is critical,
• Ability to work with deadlines, manage workload and pivot, if and when needed,
• Technical working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites (Outlook, Word, Excel) required,
• Ability to use internet-based business-related computer programs. ERP experience preferred.
• May need to work additional hours as necessary (such as weather emergencies)