Electrical Distribution Buyer

Sonepar•Windsor, ON

12d

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Purchasing Manager, this position is accountable for the effective procurement of materials, ensuring timely purchase order placement and delivery to meet customer requirements while maintaining inventory levels in accordance with approved policies and targets.

Requirements

Post secondary courses in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Business Studies
Minimum 3 years related experience.
Strong analytical skills
Solid understanding of electrical distribution products and markets
Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

Purchase electrical products such as wire & cable, panels, switchgear, breakers, lighting, controls, automation components, and MRO items
Create and manage purchase orders in line with demand forecasts, inventory targets, and customer commitments
Ensure all purchases meet technical specifications, quality standards, and compliance requirements
Develop and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and authorized suppliers
Monitor supplier performance (on-time delivery, fill rates, quality, responsiveness)
Identify alternative or secondary suppliers to reduce risk and improve supply continuity
Participate in Business Reviews
Monitor inventory levels to prevent stockouts, excess inventory, and obsolescence
Collaborate with sales and operations to forecast demand based on historical trends, projects, and market conditions
Optimize stock levels across fast-moving, slow-moving, and project-based items
Participate in obsolescence reviews
Support margin targets
Understand cost drivers including pricing trends, freight, tariffs, currency, and supplier increases
Work closely with Pricing Team to validate supplier pricing, credits, rebates, and chargebacks
Maintain strong knowledge of electrical products, manufacturers, specifications, and applications
Stay current on industry standards, codes, and regulations (e.g., CSA, UL, NEC, IEC where applicable)
Participate in product training, supplier updates, and technical briefings
Work closely with sales teams to support customer requirements, quotes, and project timelines
Coordinate with warehouse, logistics, and operations teams to ensure smooth material flow
Support customer service by resolving supply issues, backorders, and delivery delays
Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders regarding lead times, shortages, and substitutions
Proactively manage supply chain disruptions, long lead times, and constrained materials
Develop contingency plans for critical or high-risk electrical components
Track market conditions impacting electrical supply (manufacturer capacity, global shortages, regulatory changes)
Use ERP or purchasing systems to manage orders, inventory, pricing, and supplier data
Analyze purchasing and inventory reports to drive informed decisions
Maintain accurate records, part numbers, costs, and supplier documentation
Support audits and compliance reviews as required
Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness
Support process improvements in inventory planning, vendor onboarding, and order management
Participate in strategic sourcing or category management initiatives

Benefits

Flexible benefits program allowing you to choose from options that best fit you and your dependents’ needs.
Medical
Dental
Vision
Health Spending Account
RRSP matching
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Discounts
Career path
Company paid Life Insurance
Employee paid disability