Flow Buyer

Job Summary: 

The Flow Buyer will perform purchasing and inventory control work in utilizing database software.  The employee is also responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a process to track all incoming and outgoing merchandise.  The employee is responsible for ensuring that all products and supplies are on hand and available.  Work requires considerable data entry and the use of various computer-driven word processing, spreadsheets, and file maintenance in the preparation of various files and reports. Good communication skills (telephone and in-person meetings.  Maintain company confidentiality of sensitive information and data.

Responsibilities:

Continuously analyze sets of SKUs on a priority-based cycle as determined by the rebuying supervisor.

Follow specific rebuying processes for the proper calculation of order quantities on new PO’s, existing PO’s, and timely arrival of PO’s.

Maintain ongoing communication with vendor rep’s regarding the current status of goods and escalating problematic situations with the vendor

Maintain overall 93% In stock for assigned SKU’s with breakdowns to be determined by rebuying supervisor

Communicate significant changes in the performance of SKU’s to management, merchants, and merchant liaison

Follow specific processes for the balancing and final reduction of stock on end-of-life products.   Calculate and update lead times and safety times

Escalate significant flow disruptions, overstock, and under stock situations to the rebuying supervisor

Manage and coordinate special orders as assigned by Buyer

Follow-up with suppliers as to the status of orders; ensures proper documentation of all orders.

Processes purchase orders for stock and customer orders, as needed.

Monitors the warehouse inventory for replacement needs.

Supports the design, implementation, and maintenance of material flow to the distribution centers.

Resolve differences in quantity shipped by the supplier, and quantity received.

Reduce excess inventory by returning to the supplier, transferring to a manufacturing facility, or recommending scrap.

Coordinate activities and overall strategy with the extended team at the corporate office.

Delivery Schedule

Continually balance inventory, enter new SKU’s and discontinue existing products as directed by rebuying supervisor.

Reconcile cost discrepancies between accounts payable and vendor invoices.

Transfer merchandise to retail stores. 

Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of retail store operations, merchandising, and sales concepts.

Excellent analytical and math skills; specifically averages, ratios, and rates over time

Proficiency in MS Excel, Outlook, and MS Word

Strong communication skills via email, telephone, and in-person

Ability to work under pressure and manage and prioritize many open issues simultaneously

Work retail hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Successfully pass a Pre-employment drug screening

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma/ GED

3-5 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, production planning, or scheduling is desired.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Must possess the ability to read, analyze, and interpret common publications related to the field of expertise, delivery orders, etc.  Must possess the ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers and vendors.    Ability to effectively present information to top management and members of staff.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Excellent analytical and math skills; specifically averages, ratios, and rates over time

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.