Junior Buyer

About the role

The Junior Buyer is an entry-level purchasing professional responsible for supporting inventory replenishment, purchase order administration, supplier communication, and inventory analysis within assigned categories. This role provides critical support to the purchasing department. The Junior Buyer assists with maintaining product availability, managing order accuracy, resolving purchasing issues, and ensuring purchasing processes are executed efficiently and accurately.

Responsibilities

• Purchase Order Management
• Create and manage purchase orders under established purchasing guidelines.
• Review system-generated purchasing recommendations.
• Maintain open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Follow up with suppliers regarding order confirmations and shipment status.
• Resolve discrepancies related to quantities, pricing, or deliveries.
• Inventory Support
• Monitor inventory levels and identify potential stock shortages.
• Review low-stock and out-of-stock reports daily.
• Aid in balancing inventory levels to support service and turn objectives.
• Supplier Communication
• Serve as the primary point of contact for routine supplier communications.
• Obtain order confirmations, lead times, and availability updates.
• Track fill rates and report service concerns.
• Escalate supply disruptions and service failures as needed.
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Maintain purchasing reports and inventory performance metrics.
• Support forecasting activities through data collection and reporting.
• Identify inventory opportunities and risks.
• Operational Coordination
• Coordinate with warehouse and receiving teams regarding incoming products.
• Work with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies.
• Support product transitions, substitutions, and item phase-outs.
• Administrative Support
• Maintain accurate supplier and purchasing records.
• Support new vendor and item setup processes.
• Ensure purchasing documentation and records remain current.

Skills Required

• Strong decision-making abilities.
• Great organizational skills.
• Self-starter with minimal day-to-day direction required.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Experience in large ERP systems.
• Desire to learn all aspects of Purchasing.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced foodservice distribution environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Logistics, Finance (preferred).
• 0 – 2 years of purchasing, merchandising, inventory, warehouse, customer service, or distribution experience.
• Previous Food service or Food distribution experience (preferred).