Buyer

About the role

The Buyer role is based in the Guthrie, Kentucky area and supports Conner Industries, a leading provider of custom wood packaging and integrated packaging solutions.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with sales, management and key plant operations in sourcing materials for existing and prospective accounts.
• Purchase materials from approved vendors based on sales/plant forecasts and demand.
• Negotiate supply contracts with key vendors.
• Manage materials inventories in conjunction with plant operations.
• Determine best and most cost-effective pricing without compromising quality.
• Coordinate with plant management and sales team to purchase and maintain necessary inventory for use in assembling customer product.
• Sourcing lumber third-party components and analyzing make versus buy scenarios.
• Update and maintain records of status of all orders, providing payment approval to company's accounting department as appropriate.
• Cover material planning efforts with plant buyers and operations.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate inventory records and participate in year-end and other periodic inventory counts as assigned.
• Model material cost increases, identifying how future cost changes will impact margins.
• Coordinate with the sales team on material-related price increases and how to communicate to customers.
• Conduct market research to stay informed about emerging trends and business opportunities.

Requirements

• Two to five years of purchasing experience in products such as fasteners, corrugate, foam, and/or other indirect supplies.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Existing relationships with suppliers a plus.
• Able to negotiate best rates and delivery schedules to meet plant needs.
• Organized, able to multi-task and maintain accurate records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in MSOffice, including strong Excel skills.
• Analytic skills to quickly and accurately assimilate information and make sound business decisions.
• Travel expected up to 20%.

Qualifications

• Understand importance of 'do what you say.'

Skills

• Finger dexterity for operating a computer keyboard.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, lift, and move/carry items up to 50 pounds.
• Use of hearing protection and other PPE, to include but not limited to hard-toed shoes.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retail Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off - Accrued Immediately, Available at 30 days
• 8 Company Paid Holidays
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement Program - Including Trade Schools
• Training & Development