Category Buyer

About the role

Burton Mill Solutions is built on a foundation of responsiveness and a high-touch approach to customer service. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional value through strong supplier partnerships, operational excellence, and a proactive mindset. This role plays a pivotal part in supporting our commitment to customer success and supply chain performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize assigned spend categories, including the procurement of materials, products, and services for both resale and manufacturing.
• Work within highly technical product categories with multiple variants and specifications.
• Build and manage supplier relationships, primarily across Asia, including navigating time zones and cultural differences.
• Identify opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership and improve supply continuity.
• Oversee full lifecycle management of purchase orders, including blanket orders and long-term supply strategies.
• Verify order acknowledgments and pricing accuracy.
• Maintain clear communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders regarding delivery timing and constraints.
• Create and maintain Item Masters and vendor pricing agreements.
• Maintain inventory levels aligned with business needs, balancing customer service and cost.
• Analyze demand patterns, lead times, and risk to establish inventory targets.
• Communicate future demand signals to suppliers to ensure supply readiness and efficiency.
• Evaluate air vs. ocean freight decisions based on urgency, cost, and inventory position.
• Oversee end-to-end import processes from Asia, including documentation, HTS classification guidance, and coordination with freight forwarders and customs brokers.

Success Profile

This role requires a professional who can build credibility quickly and influence cross-functional teams. Success depends on responsiveness, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to drive both immediate results and long-term process improvements.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Strong alignment and clarity with stakeholders.
• Negotiation: Balances supplier and company objectives for optimal outcomes.
• Ownership Mindset: Takes initiative and accountability for results.
• Attention to Detail: High accuracy and precision in all work.
• Proactive Approach: Anticipates needs and prepares in advance.
• Critical Thinking: Breaks down complex challenges and makes informed decisions.
• Problem Solving: Identifies root causes and delivers practical solutions.

Salary Range

$65-100k DOE

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (effective 1st of month after hire).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Company-paid basic life and short-term disability insurance.
• Optional additional life and long-term disability coverage.
• Up to $300/year wellness reimbursement.
• Up to $5,250/year tuition reimbursement.
• Annual safety boot and safety glasses reimbursement.

Why Join Burton Mill Solutions?

• Be part of a responsive, customer-focused organization.
• Work in a high-impact role with visible influence.
• Collaborate across teams and global suppliers.
• Opportunity to shape processes and drive continuous improvement.