Buyer

Ernest•Houston, TX

34d•$68 - $75•Onsite

About The Position

At Ernest, our merchandisers (we call them merchandisers because, well, they do a lot more than just purchase) help shape the partnerships, pricing, and performance that drive our business forward. We’re looking for a Merchandiser to join our team in Houston, TX, where you’ll play a vital role in ensuring our customers receive quality solutions, competitive pricing, and exceptional service. This is a full-time, on-site position for someone who’s skilled at building vendor relationships, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and managing product lines with a high degree of ownership and attention to detail. If you're organized, collaborative, and enjoy working cross-functionally to deliver results—this could be your next step.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in a capacity that focuses on cost savings and high volume PO’s.
Experience negotiating with vendors and managing supplier relationships with professionalism and integrity
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on cost efficiency and continuous improvement
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and comfort working in an ERP system (SAP experience a plus)
Excellent planning, time management, and organizational skills
Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments
A proactive mindset and desire to contribute to a team-focused, people-first environment

Responsibilities

Source and evaluate new products based on quality, cost, and market trends
Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with vendors to negotiate pricing, lead times, and product availability
Monitor market conditions, price fluctuations, and product changes to ensure optimal buying decisions
Manage inventory across Stock and Just-in-Time (JIT) categories, aligning with company targets and supply needs
Establish target selling prices for made-to-order and non-stock merchandise in coordination with internal stakeholders
Set and update part numbers, costs, and pricing using SAP (or ERP platform) with accuracy
Ensure all reporting and part number data is accurate, current, and aligned with purchasing activity
Maintain and update product costing after vendor verification
Collaborate closely with internal teams including Sales, Operations, and Accounting
Process merchandise control requests and documentation in a timely and organized manner
Keep clear records of supplier quotes, correspondence, cost changes, and lead time updates
Maintain open communication with suppliers regarding lead times and production status
Provide insight and recommendations to improve departmental systems, procedures, and outcomes