Buyer

Job Title: Buyer

Location: Chester, SC

Summary

The Buyer is responsible for supporting the purchasing and procurement activities at Giti Tire Manufacturing. This position coordinates the purchasing of materials, supplies, equipment, and services while ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality, and timely delivery.

The Buyer works closely with suppliers, vendors, and internal departments to obtain competitive pricing, process purchase orders, monitor inventory levels, track deliveries, and resolve purchasing discrepancies. This position is also responsible for maintaining accurate purchasing records, evaluating supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare, process, and manage purchase requisitions and purchase orders for materials, supplies, equipment, and services required for company operations.

• Coordinate purchasing activities with internal departments to ensure materials and supplies are available to support operational needs.

• Research and evaluate potential suppliers based on pricing, product quality, delivery capabilities, and company requirements.

• Request, review, and compare vendor quotations to identify cost-effective purchasing solutions.

• Establish and maintain vendor and supplier information within the company's purchasing and ERP systems.

• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate purchases to maintain adequate stock while minimizing excess inventory.

• Track purchase orders, monitor delivery schedules, and expedite orders as necessary to prevent operational delays.

• Communicate with suppliers regarding order confirmations, pricing, delivery schedules, and product availability.

• Verify received materials and products against purchase orders and coordinate the resolution of quantity discrepancies, damaged goods, or quality concerns.

• Work closely with Finance, Accounting, and Receiving to resolve invoice discrepancies and ensure accurate purchase order, invoice, and proof of delivery (POD) documentation.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, pricing documentation, and transaction history.

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly purchasing reports as requested by management.

• Monitor supplier performance and assist with identifying opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and increased purchasing efficiency.

• Maintain and organize a high volume of purchasing-related emails, documentation, and vendor communications to ensure timely responses and accurate recordkeeping.

• Assist with coordinating supplier management activities, including vendor evaluations and purchasing documentation.

• Support purchasing activities involving domestic and international suppliers, including reviewing import and shipping documentation when applicable.

• Ensure purchasing activities comply with established company policies, approval processes, and departmental procedures.

• Collaborate with Purchasing, Finance, Accounting, Receiving, Maintenance, Engineering, and other departments to support business operations.

• Maintain confidentiality of company purchasing information, vendor pricing, and financial records.

• Follow all established company and departmental policies, procedures, work instructions, and safety and environmental guidelines.

• Maintain high standards of accuracy, accountability, professionalism, and job performance.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally with suppliers, vendors, and internal departments.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to review and compare pricing, quotations, invoices, and purchasing documentation.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• Experience using ERP systems or computerized purchasing and inventory management systems.

• Strong data entry skills with the ability to maintain accurate purchasing records.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing competing priorities.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaborate effectively within a team.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and internal departments.

• Ability to identify purchasing discrepancies and coordinate timely resolutions.

• Knowledge of inventory management, procurement procedures, and supplier management practices.

• Experience with 10-key data entry preferred.

• Knowledge of international purchasing practices and import trade documentation is a plus.

Education and/or Experience

• Associate degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience will be considered.

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, inventory management, or related administrative support preferred.

• Previous experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment is preferred.

• Experience preparing purchase orders, obtaining vendor quotations, and tracking deliveries is preferred.

• Experience using ERP systems and computerized purchasing applications is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with supplier management, purchasing policies, and inventory control processes is preferred.

• Knowledge of import and international trade documentation is an advantage.