Buyer

About the role

At Echo Electric, a brand owned by Sonepar, we are a leader in electrical distribution. Echo Electric represents over $1.2 billion in sales covering Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, and Southern South Dakota. As part of Sonepar, the worldwide leader in electrical distribution, we have a global reach that allows us to offer excellent benefits and develop innovative solutions while maintaining our strong local roots and close-knit culture.

The Buyer role involves strategically managing a company's inventory, supplier relationships, and procurement processes to optimize product availability, cost-efficiency, and operational smoothness.

Responsibilities

• Replenishes stock for all locations on assigned vendors to meet customer service expectations and inventory performance goals.
• Maintains good relations with suppliers and ensures that the company receives favorable terms and competitive costs from suppliers.
• Maintains accurate product file in all aspects: item description, minimum buy package, etc., including cost in conjunction with the Pricing Department.
• Maintains a strong knowledge and understanding of current market conditions by conducting interviews with suppliers and identify opportunities for vendor consolidation.
• Ensures strong supplier relationships are developed and maintained and identifies cost variances.
• Searches for new products and seeks better negotiated costs with suppliers; looks for opportunities in vertical and horizontal markets.
• Negotiates the return of excess and slow-moving products that work towards team goals to drive trends downward.
• Clearly understands all aspects of the main computer operating system's inventory control and purchasing modules, including the ramification of parameter settings.
• Maintains a high level of product knowledge, stays informed on product lifecycles, and continuously learns about new/replacement products.
• Expedites the stock and special orders with other Echo personnel.
• Analyzes inventory for key metrics including risk of stock outs, bulk break receiving points, and turns.
• Utilizes historical data to improve inventory profiles.
• Resolves price discrepancies with vendors and the Accounts Payable Department to assure proper vendor billing and to maximize cash discounts for Echo.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by the manager.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field with coursework in Industrial Distribution Management; or 2 years buying experience in a related field or equivalent on-the-job experience as determined by Echo Electric.
• Commitment to and demonstration of high ethical standards governing professional behavior and interactions, including the ability to maintain information in a confidential manner.
• Proven proficiency in general personal computer applications, as well as in the use of Microsoft Office software, including Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in written and verbal formats.
• Strong process orientation and systems-thinking capability.
• Proven attentiveness to detail coupled with problem analysis and resolution skills.
• Demonstrated capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with all organizational members.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills, including an ability to plan and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plus employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401K match.
• Profit Sharing.
• Tuition reimbursement and employee development.
• Annual Safety Shoe Reimbursement.
• Employee Discount on products.
• Access to a variety of trainings for personal development.