Overview As Associate Buyer, you manage specific vendor lines and negotiate competitive pricing to support the company's procurement needs. You act as a liaison across Sales, Finance, and Operations to resolve issues, optimize sourcing, and maintain accurate SKU and inventory data. You will contribute to new contract terms and supplier evaluations, shaping cost-effective purchasing and vendor relationships. This role blends cross-functional collaboration with hands-on problem solving to ensure timely delivery and optimal value. You will work in a team that values proactive, data-driven decision making and continuous improvement.
Compensation / Benefits- medical insurance
- 401k plans
- free therapy visits
- mental health coaching
- meditation resources
- Wellness and Volunteer Time Off days
Responsibilities- Procure products at competitive pricing from multiple sources
- Prepare purchase orders per policy and create/maintain SKUs for sales and web activity
- Identify best supply sources, including secondary/tertiary options
- Track and manage inventory (including drop-ship) to support sales/web activity
- Negotiate product cost, contract terms, and pricing
- Expedite orders and update ETA; process price protection and adjust selling prices
- Review promotions and analyze backorders; take corrective action
- Forecast stocking levels and minimize excess inventory; evaluate non-productive SKUs
- Resolve packaging/receiving issues and obtain return authorizations
- Cross-functional communication with Sales, Support, Finance, IT, and others; manage inquiries via PCC Call Tracker/Case Management
- Help with vendor meetings, presentations, and vendor relationship improvements
- Collaborate with Product Marketing on evaluations and product onboarding
Key requirements- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency (especially Excel)
- Strong communication, time management, analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Self-directed and well organized
- Leadership potential
- Experience with vendor management and purchasing processes (implied)
- Unknown if degree required
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Analytical thinking
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Excel
- PCC Call Tracker/Case Management system
