Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a detail-oriented Buyer to join a wholesale distribution organization in Fox Valley on a Contract basis. In this role, you will help maintain product availability, support supplier coordination, and contribute to inventory performance through thoughtful purchasing decisions. This position works closely with sales and vendor partners to address demand changes, resolve supply concerns, and keep replenishment activities running smoothly.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor daily demand signals, including forecasts and customer purchasing activity, and issue purchase orders that align with business needs.

• Track supplier confirmations to ensure order acknowledgements are received, documented, and followed up on promptly.

• Coordinate with vendors and internal partners to accelerate shipments when necessary and reduce the risk of stock shortages.

• Address fulfillment challenges by working with sales teams and suppliers to identify alternate supply options and escalate unresolved issues when appropriate.

• Manage inventory levels across stocked items to balance service expectations, inventory turns, and excess product exposure.

• Review aging inventory and collaborate with commercial teams to reduce slow-moving or obsolete stock through sell-through strategies.

• Partner with sales stakeholders to adjust purchasing plans based on promotions, changing customer demand, and new or lost business activity.

• Maintain accurate vendor and item records to support replenishment planning, purchasing accuracy, and ongoing operational efficiency.

• Investigate mismatches involving purchase orders, receipts, and invoices so supplier payments can be processed correctly and on time.

• Contribute to supplier performance reviews by gathering data, sharing observations, and supporting ongoing vendor accountability and improvement efforts.

• At least 2 years of experience in a buying, purchasing, or procurement-related role.
• Working knowledge of purchase order management, supplier coordination, and inventory replenishment practices.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and supporting discussions around purchasing terms or service expectations.
• Familiarity with purchase agreements, order tracking, and follow-up activities across the procurement cycle.
• Ability to identify and resolve invoice or receiving discrepancies with accuracy and urgency.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to respond effectively to changing demand conditions.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate across sales, supplier, and operations teams.