Purchasing Specialist

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co • Boston, MA

10d • $65,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Brown Brothers Harriman is looking for a skilled Purchasing Associate to procure goods and services necessary for our day-to-day business activities. This person will have the means and opportunity to increase our product offering with high-quality purchases while reducing our overall spend with cost-effective options. The goal is to acquire supplies and services that are critical for the success of our business operations. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail and a commercial mindset. This person should know how to evaluate market conditions and different suppliers. Communication skills are an absolute must and will help negotiate effectively while maintaining mutually beneficial relationships.

Requirements

• BS/BA in business administration or relevant field.
• Supply Management, Tracking Budget Expenses, Vendor Relationships, Organization, Customer Service, Documentation Skills, Supply Management, Inventory Methods and Procedures.
• Demonstrable experience in negotiating prices and terms and conditions.
• Knowledge of market research, data analysis and purchasing best practices.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and purchasing software (e.g. SpendMap, Basware Procureit).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A strong analytical mindset.
• Outstanding organizational skills.
• Ability to work with a minimum amount of direction or supervision.

Responsibilities

• Prepares order request by verifying specifications and price while checking for completeness and clarity; diplomatically instructing requesters on what data is necessary to obtain the best product within the timeframe specified.
• Obtaining recommendations from suppliers for substitute items (if necessary); ensuring timely approval from requisitioning department.
• Shops for the best quality sources while maintaining the most cost-effective solution.
• Obtains and analyzes bids in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Prepares purchase orders or other agreements as necessary and check them for accuracy and completeness before issuing.
• Reviews acknowledgements for agreement with purchase orders and resolve any discrepancies with the supplier to the best possible advantage for BBH.
• Follows-up or expedites orders as necessary to meet schedules.
• Verifies receipt of items by comparing items received to items ordered; resolves shipments in error with suppliers.
• Authorizes payment for purchases by forwarding receiving documentation.
• Manages relationships with key suppliers to maintain quality of goods, timely delivery and compliance to terms of contracts.
• Regularly reviews suppliers to ensure quality.
• Monitors inventory stock levels, making sure to re-order before supplies are depleted.
• Keeps updated vendor records.
• Ability to create custom reporting using excel.
• Keeps the Purchasing Manager informed of all activities or problems and submits reports as requested by management.
• Follow-up or expedite orders to see that they are delivered as scheduled.
• Resolve discrepancies or negotiate settlements to the best possible long-term advantage of BBH.
• Assist other department personnel to determine the most suitable product or service to meet their needs considering the objectives of the entire organization.
• Creativity and value engineering are vital to this role.
• Obtain the best source to meet each department’s objectives, to negotiate the most favorable agreement possible, and to prepare the documentation for that agreement in accordance with all laws and so that the agreement protects BBH’s interest.

Benefits

• Direct access to clients, information and experts across all business areas around the world.
• Opportunities to grow your expertise, take on new challenges, and reinvent yourself—without leaving the firm.
• A culture of inclusion that values each employee’s unique perspective.
• High-quality benefits program emphasizing good health, financial security, and peace of mind.
• Rewarding work with the flexibility to enjoy personal and family experiences at every career stage.
• Volunteer opportunities to give back to your community and help transform the lives of others.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees