Position Summary:
The Junior Buyer is responsible for assisting the Senior Buyers with daily purchasing activities, inventory monitoring, purchase order processing, and supplier communications. This position supports the procurement process by ensuring purchase orders are accurately prepared and tracked, inventory levels are monitored, and purchasing records are properly maintained. The Junior Buyer works under the guidance of the Senior Buyers to support the Company's purchasing and inventory management objectives.
Essential Job Functions:
- Create, process, issue, and track purchase orders for inventory and merchandise.
- Communicate with suppliers to confirm pricing, product availability, specifications, delivery schedules, and order status.
- Monitor open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers regarding delayed or incomplete deliveries.
- Compare vendor invoices against purchase orders and assist in identifying and resolving pricing, quantity, or billing discrepancies.
- Monitor inventory levels, identify potential shortages, and assist with determining reorder points to prevent stockouts or excess inventory.
- Coordinate with internal departments, including warehouse and operations personnel, to support inventory and purchasing needs.
- Assist Senior Buyers in gathering supplier quotes, comparing pricing, researching alternative suppliers, and evaluating vendor performance based on price, quality, and delivery reliability.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, update database systems, and ensure proper documentation of purchasing transactions.
- Assist with resolving supplier, shipping, receiving, and merchandise return issues.
- Communicate inventory concerns, purchasing discrepancies, and supplier-related issues to Senior Buyers in a timely manner.
- Perform other duties related to purchasing and procurement as assigned.
Minimum Position Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field preferred.
- 0–12 months of experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory control, or supply chain operations. Grocery industry experience preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, including data entry, spreadsheets, and basic formulas.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and basic analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Basic negotiation and vendor communication skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Fluency in both English and Spanish.
- Must successfully meet the Company's applicable background screening requirements.
Physical and Other Requirements:
- Ability to occasionally walk, stand, bend, and squat when visiting warehouse or inventory areas.
- Ability to work in both an office and warehouse environment as needed.
- Must be available to work overtime when business needs require it.