Buyer

Candidates who are Blind or Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as federal laws permit.  Information related to disability is not required and, if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.

POSITION: Buyer 

LOCATION: Talladega

REPORTS TO: Director of Purchasing and Warehousing

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.

Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential.

Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The Buyer is responsible for procurement activities across a diverse range of categories to meet the operational needs of AIDB. This role involves ordering supplies and services, managing vendor relationships to secure competitive pricing, and maintaining precise procurement and inventory records. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented, collaborative professional capable of multitasking and resolving challenges with a high level of tact and professionalism.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

As a Buyer for AIDB, you will make a direct impact by keeping our diverse operations running smoothly through the timely procurement of critical IT, medical, and maintenance supplies. You will make a tangible difference by building strong relationships with suppliers to secure high-quality products at competitive prices, while keeping internal teams informed with accurate order tracking and meticulous inventory records. By blending sharp problem-solving and intermediate technical skills with an exceptional level of tact, patience, and professionalism, you will navigate vendor returns and resolve difficult customer inquiries seamlessly. Ultimately, your commitment to safety, collaboration, and workplace excellence ensures that every department at AIDB has the exact tools and services they need to succeed.

Basic Qualifications

High school diploma or GED

Five (5) years’ professional experience in warehouse operations, purchasing, or procurement 

Must meet suitability/background requirements for employment

Position Responsibilities

Sourcing & Order Management

• Order supplies, equipment, and services efficiently to meet the ongoing needs of AIDB.

• Follow up regularly on the status of open orders, checking with vendors to provide up-to-date tracking and delivery information.

• Manage the return of merchandise to vendors when necessary due to defects, incorrect items, or overages.

• Acquire and submit Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) to the Risk Management department as required.

Procurement Categories

• Manage procurement responsibilities for a wide variety of operational categories, including but not limited to:

• IT equipment and services

• Medical supplies

• Plumbing, HVAC, and construction supplies

• Housekeeping and building maintenance items

• Other specialty supplies as assigned

Supplier & Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain positive, productive relationships with suppliers to ensure they provide high-quality products at competitive prices.

• Serve as a key point of contact for external vendors and internal departments, ensuring clear communication.

Recordkeeping & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date procurement and inventory records.
• Adhere strictly to all safety regulations, workplace requirements, and acceptable standards of professional conduct.

Interpersonal & Conduct Skills

• Ability to get along well with others within the workplace and maintain positive interactions with customers outside the department.
• Ability to exhibit professionalism, tact, and patience when communicating under pressure, including the ability to effectively deal with difficult customers.
• Consistent adherence to acceptable standards of workplace conduct.

Technical & Office Skills

• Keyboarding: Keyboarding and data entry skills.
• Office Equipment: Intermediate proficiency using typical office equipment, including copiers, calculators, printers, scanners, and pagers.
• Technology: Advanced skills in MS Office, Google Workspace, and ERP purchasing software.  
• Mathematical Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Cognitive & Operational Abilities

• Problem Solving: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to resolve procurement issues.
• Task Management: Ability to prioritize work effectively and handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Must be able to read, write, and communicate proficiently to complete required reports and interact productively with others.

Professional Development and Certifications

• Sign Language Proficiency: Must obtain a sign language proficiency level of Survival according to the AIDB evaluation system within thirty-six (36) months of employment.

Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

SALARY:  $22.22 - $26.72              Scale: C5-46

260 DAYS