Purchasing Associate

Hood Distribution•Carnegie, PA

2d•$59,000 - $67,000•Onsite

About The Position

Hood Distribution is an industrial wholesale distributor of decorative hardwood plywood, hardwood lumber, thermally fused laminate, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard, high-pressure laminate, wood finishes and stains, solid surfaces, and other professional woodworking supplies. These products are distributed to cabinetmakers, millwork and casework shops, institutional case goods manufacturers, architectural designers, and other professional woodworkers. We are seeking a skilled and experienced Purchasing Associate to manage the entire purchasing life cycle of professional woodworking products essential for our customer base. This includes but is not limited to sourcing, negotiating, creating and managing purchase orders and managing the inventory levels for the region.

Requirements

Excellent communication skills
Tactical and strategic
Proven negotiation skills
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and ethics when dealing with vendors, co-workers, and customers.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software, as well as inventory software.
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in business or related field with coursework in purchasing and/or inventory control management.
At least five years of buying or purchasing experience required (bulk or truck loads).

Nice To Haves

Global purchasing experience a plus.
Experience in a distributor atmosphere is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Daily review of assigned product group’s needs.
Regularly check inventory levels and keep track of data to avoid inventory shortages.
High dollar value and COD Made to Order’s are properly approved by the credit department.
Manage supplier relationships through building contacts, negotiating and executing contracts, developing programs and ensuring suppliers on time delivery meets the needs of the organization.
Execute a purchase order to the vendor, meet vendor requirements, control product and freight costs and/or negotiating costs with vendor.
Verification of order to include validation of costing, maintaining arrival dates, verifying unexpected additional charges, managing vendor overages/shortages.
Review and act, if necessary, on late & unconfirmed order on open PO report.
Utilize company ERP system to maximize full potential and efficiency.
Maintains knowledge of trends, prices, and delivery conditions to anticipate future material availability; directs purchasing programs accordingly.
Develops and maintains inventory databases for supplies and materials used.
Reviews purchase orders and contracts for compliance with company and departmental policies.
Collaborate with sales, customer service, and operations department to maximize efficiency in the purchasing and inventory control department.
Communicate with suppliers to resolve problems that may arise regarding delivery, quality, price, or conditions of sale.
Address all A/P Invoice issues related to assigned product group.
Performs other duties as assigned.