Buyer

Handy Distribution • Lynchburg, VA

6d • $27 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer coordinates procurement and inventory replenishment for assigned product and vendor groups to support inventory and customer service objectives. The role monitors inventory, initiates purchase orders, maintains procurement and vendor records, evaluates supplier performance, and works with vendors and internal teams to resolve product, service, quality, and invoice issues. The position may be based at a Handy Distribution branch rather than the Lynchburg Corporate Office; it is not home-based. Candidates should live within 50 miles of a branch.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, or 1–2 years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong analytical skills to monitor inventory, forecast demand, and initiate purchase orders.
• Proficiency maintaining procurement records and vendor data using spreadsheets, ERP systems, and related software.
• Ability to balance inventory carrying, ordering, and transportation costs.
• Experience evaluating supplier performance, identifying service and quality issues, and collaborating on corrective actions.
• Ability to resolve invoice discrepancies and coordinate with vendors and Accounts Payable.
• Ability to manage excess, damaged, and obsolete inventory through internal coordination and vendor returns.
• Effective communication with vendors, internal departments, and sales teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a structured, deadline-driven procurement environment.
• If travel is requested, a valid government driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required; vehicles operated for Company purposes must be legally registered.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Skill with procurement and replenishment software such as JDA/BlueYonder, including coaching others on system use, exception management, and KPI achievement.
• Ability to participate in supplier meetings, training sessions, and branch visits.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate inventory levels and initiate purchase orders for assigned product/vendor groups to balance carrying, ordering, and transportation costs and maximize profitability.
• Maintain computer-based procurement records, including costs, buying multiples, carton quantities, vendor minimums, load factors, service objectives, forecasts, and lead times.
• Maintain records of purchased items, costs, delivery performance, product quality or performance, and inventories using relevant computer software.
• Meet with vendor representatives to understand product changes, lead times, service issues, and quality issues.
• Participate in Supplier Performance reviews.
• Work with Product Managers, Operations personnel, vendors, and others to identify root causes and initiate corrective action for defective or unacceptable goods.
• Monitor and report damaged, dead, or overstocked inventory and expedite its handling through sales, vendor returns, transfers, or scrapping.
• Coordinate with Accounts Payable to approve disputed invoices, including contacting vendors to resolve differences between invoice and quoted pricing.
• Travel as necessary for vendor meetings, branch sales staff meetings, and training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time