Buyer

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.

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.

Required Skills & Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• 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.

Travel Requirement

• 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
• Vision
• 401k
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending
• Life Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance
• 1 week paid plant shutdown between the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays