Purchasing Support Team
Responsible for the purchasing function including, purchasing inventory items, tracking inventory levels to minimize out-of-stocks while not carrying excess inventory. Works closely with Customer Service, Sales and Operations to plan and communicate product order status. This position also works on development of new items, making sure SKU’s are set up correctly and all relevant information is logged within purchasing remarks in the ERP. This position is a key contact with vendors, requires outstanding organization skills with good follow-up technique providing a proactive approach to the Operations overall support.
Specific Accountabilities
- Select and evaluate suppliers
- Analyze quotations
- Obtain materials at lowest possible cost with considerations of quality, reliability and urgency of need. Seek out new/alternative suppliers to meet needs
- Negotiate with suppliers to obtain best agreement possible with regard to delivery, quality, price and terms
- Monitor inventory levels and determine inventory replenishment needs in order to avoid out-of-stocks and maximize inventory turns
- Formulate and run demand calculations
- Determine minimum reorder quantities
- Analyze profit performance of key sku’s using company analytics to identify opportunities for profit improvement
- Enter purchase orders into the ERP system, ensure receipt of purchase order acknowledgements/confirmations and verify costs
- Closely monitor “expected dates” to avoid product shortages and work with vendors to meet product delivery requirements
- Run open purchase order report daily and reconcile as necessary
- Communicate daily with Customer Care Reps, Operations and Sales to keep all apprised of status of purchase orders
- Work with key vendors to develop fast accurate quoting for Tier 1 customers- Goal is 1-day quoting
- Set-up new items/products in system
- Work with Customer Service and Sales to ensure custom order product specifications are complete and correct seeking multiple product quotes
- Develop and maintain necessary records and files for efficient operation
- Propose improvements to the purchasing function
- Document all changes to purchasing procedures
- Assure purchasing procedure compliance
- Establish/maintain positive working relationships with vendors
- Maintain history of price increases by vendor
- Notify CSR’s and sales personnel of price increases and effected sku’s
- Work with key vendors to establish creative programs for joint growth and possible rebate programs
- Support the efforts and goals of the Purchasing Manager.
Qualification Guidelines
Education/ Experience/ Knowledge/Skills Required
- College degree or equivalent work experience
- Packaging experience preferred
- 3 to 5 years’ experience in purchasing
- Strong Communication and Organizational skills, able to influence and lead
- Project Management skills
- Packaging industry knowledge
- Negotiation Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft environment and able to adapt to new software programs
- Analyze profit performance of key SKU’s and make profit improvement recommendations
- The Purchasing Group is a key member of the profit enhancement team providing customer analysis making recommendations for profit improvement and customer satisfaction
- Risk based thinking (recommendations for reducing risk)
Physical Elements
- Must be able to push, pull and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to sit for extended periods of time
- Must be able to use a telephone and computer for extended periods of time
- Must be able to bend, stoop, crouch, sit and walk frequently
- Must be able to read and write clearly in English