Buyer

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty? At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, family-owned for three generations, and can be found in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal named us one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies in 2017. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it through innovative, industry-leading products. We strive to connect with, engage with, and improve the lives of our employees, customers, partners, and global communities.

About the role

The Buyer is responsible for procuring quality goods and services that meet LATICRETE’s cost, quality, and delivery objectives, while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and ensuring compliance with company policies. The Buyer collaborates with Planning, Operations, Finance, and Supplier partners to execute procurement plans driven by demand signals and MRP, and to proactively escalate issues that could impact supply.

Responsibilities

• Inventory Management (35%):
  • Implement stocking models considering factors such as demand forecasts, lead times, logistics, and supplier capabilities.
  • Conduct regular reviews and adjustments to stocking models based on changing demand patterns to maintain optimal inventory levels.
  • Support inventory risk identification (e.g., potential stockouts, long lead time exposure) and communicate mitigation options to Planning and Procurement leadership.
  • Review and maintain purchasing master data (e.g., lead times, order multiples, safety stock) and planning parameters to reflect current supply and supplier capabilities.
• Procurement (30%):
  • Execute MRP action messages and translate approved demand signals into timely purchase actions to maintain targeted inventory and service levels.
  • Create and manage purchase orders in line with cost, quality, and delivery targets; track orders and coordinate inbound logistics to meet need dates.
  • Confirm acknowledgments and update stakeholders on order status and changes.
  • Resolve day-to-day supplier issues (price, delivery, invoice discrepancies), escalating to management as needed.
• Supplier Relationship Management (10%):
  • Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers to ensure reliability, quality, and timeliness of deliveries.
  • Capture delivery/quality issues and escalate to suppliers and internal management as appropriate.
  • Support data collection for supplier performance tracking (OTIF, responsiveness), coordinating with Procurement leadership for periodic reviews.
  • Champion ethical sourcing practices and sustainability initiatives within the supply chain, working closely with suppliers to promote responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
• Collaboration (25%):
  • Partner with Demand Planning on forecast signals.
  • Coordinate with Operations, Warehousing/Logistics, and Finance to align purchasing activity with production schedules and cash flow considerations.
  • Contribute to clear, timely status updates to enable cross-functional decision making.
• Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Finance or equivalent work experience.
• Proven 3+ years’ experience in procurement, inventory management, or supply chain roles.
• Strong understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems and data parameters.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Proficiency in inventory control techniques and inventory management software.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.

Skills

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally 5-10%.

Physical Requirements

• Lift: Must be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Push/Pull: Must be able to push/pull 25 pounds.
• Stand: Must be able to stand 25% of the day.
• Sitting: Must be able to sit 75% of the day.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401k retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life Insurance, AD&D, and Supplemental Insurance
• 1 week paid plant shutdown between Christmas and New Year's Day holidays