Purchasing Associate

Purchasing Associate

Position at Hood Distribution Hood Distribution is an industrial wholesale distributor of decorative hardwood plywood, hardwood lumber, thermally fused laminate, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard, high-pressure laminate, wood finishes and stains, solid surfaces, and other professional woodworking supplies. These products are distributed to cabinetmakers, millwork and casework shops, institutional case goods manufacturers, architectural designers, and other professional woodworkers. We are seeking a skilled and experienced Purchasing Associate to manage the entire purchasing life cycle of professional woodworking products essential for our customer base. This includes but is not limited to sourcing, negotiating, creating and managing purchase orders and managing the inventory levels for the region.

Job Responsibilities:

• Daily review of assigned product group's needs.
• Regularly check inventory levels and keep track of data to avoid inventory shortages.
• High dollar value and COD Made to Order's are properly approved by the credit department.
• Manage supplier relationships through building contacts, negotiating and executing contracts, developing programs and ensuring suppliers on time delivery meets the needs of the organization.
• Execute a purchase order to the vendor, meet vendor requirements, control product and freight costs and/or negotiating costs with vendor.
• Verification of order to include validation of costing, maintaining arrival dates, verifying unexpected additional charges, managing vendor overages/shortages.
• Review and act, if necessary, on late & unconfirmed order on open PO report.
• Utilize company ERP system to maximize full potential and efficiency.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, prices, and delivery conditions to anticipate future material availability; directs purchasing programs accordingly.
• Develops and maintains inventory databases for supplies and materials used.
• Reviews purchase orders and contracts for compliance with company and departmental policies.
• Collaborate with sales, customer service, and operations department to maximize efficiency in the purchasing and inventory control department.
• Communicate with suppliers to resolve problems that may arise regarding delivery, quality, price, or conditions of sale.
• Address all A/P Invoice issues related to assigned product group.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills
• Tactical and strategic
• Proven negotiation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and ethics when dealing with vendors, co-workers, and customers.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software, as well as inventory software.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in business or related field with coursework in purchasing and/or inventory control management.
• At least five years of buying or purchasing experience required (bulk or truck loads).
• Global purchasing experience a plus.
• Experience in a distributor atmosphere is highly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to travel (up to 10%) to visit vendors, customers or other company locations.

Salary Range: $59,000-$67,000

Additional Information: Hood Industries offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, employee assistance program, dental, vision, cancer, life, 401k, flexible spending account, and LTD, available first of the month following completion of one month of continuous full-time employment. Hood Industries requires that applicants consent to a background check and a drug screen to continue in the selection process. All employment offers are contingent on meeting our background check standards and successful passing of required drug test. If hired, you will be required to provide documentation indicating your legal right to work in the U.S. An Equal Opportunity Employer