PetZoo - Purchaser Assosciate

Summary

The Purchasing Associate is responsible for procuring product from manufacturers and timely transfer to PetZoo stores, maintaining accurate inventory and managing overall cost. This position maintains inventory levels to support the highest fill rate possible without exceeding maximum inventory levels.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the procurement of assigned vendor lines in multiple retail store locations, assuring fill rate and inventory level targets are met consistently
• Collaborates with internal and external teams to forecast new item and promotional usage, ensuring that inventory levels support anticipated demand
• Assures item data integrity to include costing and all other item maintenance fields
• Participates in all levels of vendor relationships
• Collaborates with upper management team to maintain appropriate inventory levels and assure inventory performance requirements are met for everyday and promotional needs
• Communicates accurately and timely with internal and external customers to resolve key product, vendor and/or supply issues as needed

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of general purchasing, shipping and receiving practices
• Strong interpersonal and supplier relations skills
• Ability to accurately follow established processes and procedures
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Education and Experience

• High school diploma and two years related experience or training
• College degree a plus
• Prior experience purchasing for retail/distribution preferred
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Experience using a computerized forecasting system desired
• Pet industry experience desired

Working Conditions

Office environment, low noise level

Physical Abilities

• Primarily sitting with some walking, standing, and bending
• Able to hear and speak into a telephone
• Close visual work on a computer terminal
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard, mouse, and other technical instruments