Assistant Buyer

VSP Vision Care•New York, NY

1d•$21 - $33•Hybrid

About The Position

Under direct supervision, follow established guidelines and assist the Buyers and other Purchasing staff in the procurement of goods and services for internal and external customers. This role involves processing purchase requisitions, monitoring inventory, expediting orders, resolving invoice discrepancies, and preparing various reports. The Assistant Buyer will also input purchase orders, research new suppliers, monitor supplier performance, and coordinate with internal customers to ensure purchases meet requirements. Additionally, the role includes preparing and distributing requests for quotes, recommending and interviewing prospective suppliers, and assisting with negotiations for pricing, quality, and timely delivery of standard items.

Requirements

Minimum of two to four years of general office experience
Knowledge of Purchasing procedures and computer-based inventory systems
Ability to read and write at a level necessary to complete the above tasks
Excellent communication skills
Proficient with MS Word and Excel
Data Entry experience
Ability to type 25 wpm
Strong business math skills

Nice To Haves

For roles that are remote (i.e., Work From Home (WFM)) or hybrid (i.e., partial onsite at a VSP location and WFM), must demonstrate a high level of engagement in virtual environments, including maintaining camera presence during meetings to support effective communication and team alignment

Responsibilities

Process purchase requisitions from internal and regional customers for standard non-stock items; ensure all requisitions are processed accurately and timely
Assist with monitoring the inventory reorder points as assigned by Buyers; ensure availability of stocked items
Expedite orders as required and provide weekly updates regarding order status to buyers; resolve invoice discrepancies with A/P and suppliers
Process and distribute Low Stock Notices, and inventory management reports
Input purchase orders into computer system and, within established guidelines, issue standard PO’s to suppliers
Assist in the research, analysis and recommendations of new sources of specific goods, services and process improvements
Assist in monitoring supplier performance to ensure purchases are cost effective and suppliers provided expected service and value
Coordinate with Buyers and internal customers to identify needs and prepare specifications to ensure purchases meet customers’ requirements, and are cost – effective
Prepare and distribute requests for quotes to suppliers
Recommend and assist with interviewing prospective suppliers
As directed negotiate pricing, and assure quality, timely delivery of standard items