Senior Buyer
Responsible for procuring goods, managing material costs, and balancing inventory levels for assigned product categories across warehouses. Work closely with vendors to negotiate pricing and ensure timely delivery of goods. Act as an SAP master for training and streamlining the procurement process for proper and efficient operations. Provide procurement-related reports with analyses to the department manager.
Principle Responsibilities
Purchasing Management
- Analyze sales history, demand, and forecast to procure merchandise in a timely fashion
- Monitor & control Inventory level to reflect its seasonality
- Work with vendors to resolve procurement issues including but not limited to price, quality, service and delivery
- Resolve operational issues with cross-functional teams such as Sales, Customer Service, Accounting, IT, Warehouse, Operation, Import Doc., Customs Brokers
- Analyzes the SAP MRP to current levels of inventory, safety stock, and future requirements to reflect product seasonality
- Determine tariff classification and applicability of other government agency regulations of imported goods.
- Experience in HTS code classification and PGA compliance requirements; perform basic US import entry audits.
Inventory Management
- Monitor inventory levels to ensure sufficient stock is available to meet demand while minimizing excess.
- Place orders for inventory replenishments based on forecasts and inventory analysis.
- Oversee the receiving process for new shipments, ensuring accuracy against purchase orders and inspecting quality.
- Update inventory management systems with accurate data on stock levels, movements, and discrepancies; generate reports for analysis.
- Work closely with other departments to align inventory levels with business needs.
- Analyze inventory metrics (such as turnover rates and shrinkage) to optimize inventory management processes.
- Build and maintain relationships with suppliers; negotiate prices and terms to ensure cost-effective purchasing.
- Continuously identify opportunities for improving inventory management processes and systems.
- Ensure that all inventory practices comply with health and safety regulations.
Import Compliance
- Determine tariff classification and PGA (FDA, Aphis, EPA, etc.) applicability.
- Review Accuracy of Customs Entry Filing.
- Conduct customs entry audits for accuracy.
- Work with Import Compliance Manager to address audit results and corrections.
- Ensure Integrity of Import Data. Maintain tariff classification and duty rates in SAP/SKU repository.
- Strategic Support - Works directly with vendors to obtain missing documentation or information required for customs clearance. Respond to inquiries from customs brokers impacting imports.
Competencies
- Master MRP system to ensure cost, inventory, and delivery objectives are met
- Exercises independent decision-making, accountability, and initiative
- Capable of managing the procurement for assigned product categories, including demand planning, inventory control, and material cost management
- Proactive attitude and self-motivation
- Capable of detecting problems and proposing feasible solutions to resolve issues encountered under minimum supervision
- Works with vendors to resolve procurement issues including but not limited to price, production schedule, product quality, and shipment/delivery schedule
- Delivers on commitments, strong follow-up skills, and shows consistency between words and actions
- Assist other buyers with special projects as required
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Minimum three years of global sourcing experience
- Bi-lingual (English/Mandarin) a plus
- Working knowledge of MRP systems (SAP a plus)
- Experience with Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Outlook, etc.)
The posted salary range for this position is $70,000 to $85,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications.