Buyer

Reports to Purchasing Supervisor

The Buyer supports the John R White commitment to helping customers get the quantity they need, when they need it, hassle-free by effectively managing purchasing and inventory replenishment activities with authorized suppliers and distributors. The role balances product availability, inventory investment, supplier performance, cost, and customer needs while managing small to medium supplier negotiations and day-to-day supplier relationships. Buyers are expected to actively evaluate inventory positions and existing replenishment plans, identify when adjustments may be warranted, and provide data-supported recommendations based on demand, supply conditions, and business needs. This is not solely a transactional purchasing role; success requires strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, effective and professional supplier management, proactive communication, sound judgment, as well as ownership and follow-through on purchasing and supply chain issues through resolution.   

Responsibilities

The Buyer is responsible for effectively executing purchasing and inventory replenishment activities to support product availability while balancing inventory investment, supplier performance, customer needs, and company profitability. Success in this role is measured through:

• Purchasing-related fill rate and proactive identification, mitigation, and resolution of purchasing-driven shorts and backorders, with the goal of continued reduction of each.
• Inventory turns and effective management of aging inventory within established inventory strategies and targets.
•  Supplier performance monitoring and issue resolution, including on-time delivery, fill rate, PO requirement compliance, and timely follow-through.
• Purchase price variance review, data accuracy, and timely validation and follow-through on cost changes.
• Timely, proactive communication and responsiveness to suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ownership, follow-through, and effective resolution of purchasing-related issues and exceptions.
• Continuous improvement through identification of inefficiencies, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement

  Purchasing Tasks:

• Purchasing-related fill rate and proactive identification, mitigation, and resolution of purchasing-driven shorts and backorders, with the goal of continued reduction of each.
• Inventory turns and effective management of aging inventory within established inventory strategies and targets.
• Supplier performance monitoring and issue resolution, including on-time delivery, fill rate, PO requirement compliance, and timely follow-through.
• Purchase price variance review, data accuracy, and timely validation and follow-through on cost changes.
• Timely, proactive communication and responsiveness to suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ownership, follow-through, and effective resolution of purchasing-related issues and exceptions.
• Continuous improvement through identification of inefficiencies, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement
• Other duties as assigned, including designated backup responsibilities. 

Mid-Level Supplier Management 

• Manage day-to-day relationships with assigned suppliers and hold suppliers accountable to established service expectations, including on-time delivery, fill rate, PO requirement compliance, and timely issue resolution.
• Coordinate with suppliers to address customer requests, quality or product concerns, returns, and other business needs as appropriate.
• Provide suppliers with relevant business and demand information as needed to support planning, negotiations, and supply continuity.
• Negotiate pricing, discount terms, transportation arrangements, and other commercial terms within established levels of authority. 

• Analytical and process-oriented mindset with the ability to evaluate information, identify discrepancies and risks, determine root causes, and make sound decisions based on available information.
• Strong prioritization and workload management skills, with the ability to balance recurring responsibilities, changing priorities, and time-sensitive business needs while maintaining ownership through resolution.
• Demonstrates strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to independently investigate issues, evaluate potential solutions, and determine when escalation or additional support is appropriate.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy, with an understanding of how individual transactions and decisions impact inventory, customers, financial reporting, and downstream operations.
• Ability to make timely purchasing and inventory decisions independently while balancing customer needs, supply risk, inventory investment, and company profitability.
• Proactive and effective verbal and written communication, including the ability to communicate risks, changes, and relevant information to suppliers and internal stakeholders based on the needs of the audience.
• Strong ownership and follow-through, with the initiative and resourcefulness to drive issues to resolution rather than relying on continued direction or follow-up.
• Ability to work effectively cross-functionally, build productive working relationships, and understand when collaboration with other departments is necessary to achieve business objectives.
• Strong organizational skills and adaptability within a dynamic operating environment.
• Demonstrates a positive and professional work attitude, remaining responsive, collaborative, and solution-oriented in day-to-day interactions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook. Experience with Acumatica ERP, StockIQ, Zendesk, Microsoft Copilot, and Power BI is preferred.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• Buyer: 3–5 years of experience in buying, sourcing, procurement, inventory management, operations, or a similar supply chain role.
• Experience in the food industry is a plus.