Senior Buyer

Jendco Safety Supply Inc.•Columbus, OH

14d

About The Position

The Senior Buyer at Jendco is responsible for purchasing, driving vendor strategy, and ensuring inventory investments directly support business growth and profitability. This role is both highly tactical and strategically influential-responsible not only for execution, but for shaping purchasing decisions that impact margin, cash flow, and customer satisfaction. As a key business partner, the Senior Buyer works cross-functionally with sales, operations, and leadership to align purchasing strategy with company objectives, challenge inefficiencies, and proactively identify opportunities to improve performance. This is a high-visibility role that requires strong business acumen, decisive judgment, and a high level of ownership and accountability.

Requirements

5+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in distribution
Strong negotiation skills with a track record of delivering value
High level of accountability, attention to detail, and follow-through
Ability to balance tactical execution with strategic thinking
Advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP/inventory systems
Clear, confident, and professional communication skills

Responsibilities

Own inventory performance across the business, ensuring alignment with demand, company goals, and working capital expectations
Execute and manage purchase orders with precision and urgency to maintain consistent product availability
Analyze inventory trends and take action on overstock, slow-moving, and at-risk inventory, including driving returns and corrective actions
Continuously evaluate and improve purchasing practices to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
Develop strategic vendor relationships that drive long-term value, service reliability, and competitive advantage
Lead negotiations with vendors, holding partners accountable to pricing, terms, and service expectations
Identify and drive program opportunities (rebates, incentives, cost savings) that improve margin and overall profitability
Ensure accurate execution of cost and sell price changes across systems and teams
Take full ownership of vendor rebate tracking, reconciliation, and performance optimization
Act as a strategic partner to sales by supporting customer programs, pricing strategies, and growth initiatives
Proactively communicate supply risks, cost changes, and market dynamics, offering solutions
Partner with operations to improve purchasing workflows, inventory accuracy, and execution consistency
Provide clear, actionable reporting and insights to leadership to influence decision-making and business strategy