Buyer Position

Robert Half is offering a contract to hire employment opportunity for a Buyer in Goleta, California. In this role, you will be responsible for executing purchasing functions, interfacing with vendors, and maintaining accurate data records in our system. This role is critical to ensuring the smooth operation of our purchasing process and requires proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities:

- Develop and manage a network of qualified vendors to guarantee on-time delivery of top-quality products.

- Build strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate the best terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.

- Research and evaluate potential new sources to optimize our supply chain.

- Onboard new suppliers to ensure seamless integration with our processes.

- Place purchase orders, manage inventory levels, and maintain optimal stock to avoid overstocking or stockouts.

- Analyze inventory trends and identify opportunities for cost savings and leverage.

- Work closely with suppliers to ensure quality, cost, and delivery standards are met, adhering to company purchasing policies.

- Partner with internal teams (Merchandising, Sales, Engineering) on sales events, new product launches, product availability, and quality issues.

- Process purchase requisitions and keep management updated on order statuses.

- Assess the quality of received stock and promptly escalate any discrepancies to suppliers and management.

Qualifications:

- Has 2-5 years of experience as a buyer, replenishment re-buyer, or inventory planner role.

- Comfortable navigating Microsoft Office products like Word, Excel, and Outlook.

- Approaches problems with a "can-do" attitude and finds solutions that work.

- Thrives independently and can collaborate effectively with all kinds of personalities, even with minimal supervision.

- May be willing to occasionally travel domestically for trade shows, company events, and supplier visits.

- Hold a Bachelor's Degree, preferred.

- Have experience in the automotive parts industry, desired but not required.

- Understand forecasting methods like demand, trend, and seasonality.

- Can optimize inventory across multiple distribution centers.