Senior Buyer

About the role

The Senior Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement and replenishment of assigned product categories to ensure product availability, inventory optimization, and cost competitiveness. This position analyzes inventory and purchasing data, and collaborates with Sales, Inventory Management, and Finance to support company objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities for assigned suppliers and product categories.
• Review replenishment recommendations and purchase orders for accuracy and business requirements.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels while balancing service levels, turns, and working capital objectives.
• Manage purchasing of custom products and follow up with vendors to ensure artwork requirements match company requirements.
• Partner with Sales teams to support customer opportunities and new business initiatives.
• Work with sales to execute seasonal bulk buys.
• Work with Product Management on product launches, transitions, and rationalization efforts.
• Collaborate with Finance regarding inventory valuation, supplier rebates, cost savings, and budgeting activities.
• Support ERP system improvements and procurement process optimization.
• Promote best practices in procurement and supply chain management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5–10 years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and contract negotiations.
• Experience within distribution, manufacturing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, or industrial supply preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP S/4HANA required.

Required Skills

• Strong purchasing and sourcing knowledge.
• Understanding of purchasing best practices.
• Experience using SAP in the procure-to-pay process.
• Experience in a distribution setting (preferred).
• Experience buying custom branded products (preferred).
• Inventory management and replenishment expertise.
• Cost analysis and landed cost modeling.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to build relationships internally and externally.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple departments and influence change.