Product Specialist/Buyer

The Product Specialist/Buyer is responsible for purchasing inventory and non-inventory items, capital equipment, and services in support of operations for the corporation to acquire the best price for the organization while providing the best quality of goods and services at the lowest cost. This role manages end-to-end production of commercial printing and updates the content of all assigned inventory items and kitting projects as well as prepares Requests for Proposals and other necessary paperwork for developing, awarding, and administering purchase orders in accordance with project requirements.

Primary Job Duties

• Purchase inventory in accordance with established purchasing procedures and inventory control methods.
• Conduct a competitive procurement process, typically an Information for Bid (IFB), to recommend the quantity and vendor to award utilizing professional purchasing methods, formal and informal, as appropriate.
• Evaluate vendor quotations, negotiate price, quantity price breaks, discounts, delivery schedule, payment terms with suppliers, and create Purchase Orders.
• Monitor and advise on any issues that present risk or opportunity to the organization.
• Select cost-effective vendors with the appropriate equipment and production capacity to produce the desired product(s).
• Established and maintain an active relationship with suppliers and internal clients, as well as locating suppliers that meet specification requirements.
• Inspect goods and evaluate services purchased for quality, proper packaging, and adherence to the requested delivery date when received.
• Execute and expedite daily operative buying processes, including generating and analyzing reports relating to procurement.
• Analyze inventory availability and manage the review, revisions, and reorder process with internal departments to forecast the company's needs and ensure better purchasing options.
• Process and complete simple to complex purchase requests by following established processes, practices, and policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills, Specialized Knowledge and Competency Requirements

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in inventory control and purchasing with the ability to understand potential risks and rewards of various purchases.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Working technical knowledge of the goods or services they purchase by considering price, quality, availability, reliability, and technical support when choosing suppliers and merchandise.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, including the ability to prioritize multiple and conflicting demands.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with team members, clients, and suppliers.
• Attention to detail to ensure all processes are complete for each product or service.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundamental knowledge of inventory and purchasing management software.
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop preferred.