Buyer I

Position: Buyer I About the role: The Buyer I is responsible for sourcing and procuring raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods essential to the production of consumer goods. This role supports procurement activities across a complex product environment consisting of approximately 2,726 SKUs and $3 million in inventory , including materials associated with paper, wood, and related product categories. The Buyer I works closely with production, sales, and warehouse teams to ensure materials are available to meet operational demands. This role plays a critical part in optimizing Jack Richeson & Company’s supply chain by proactively identifying sourcing opportunities and maintaining strong vendor relationships. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, cost-conscious, and confident navigating sourcing decisions that directly impact production continuity and customer satisfaction. What you will be doing: Strategic Sourcing (Raw Materials & Finished Goods) Lead sourcing initiatives for raw materials and finished goods based on demand forecasts, sales trends, and production needs. Actively collaborate with planning, production, and sales to understand short- and long-term material requirements. Prioritize internal inventory optimization by sourcing from within Jack Richeson & Company’s network before engaging external suppliers. Evaluate sourcing alternatives to reduce lead times, minimize costs, and mitigate supply risk. Internal Alignment & Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with internal teams to align procurement activities with business objectives, ensuring sourcing decisions support product availability and margin goals. Provide insights and recommendations on material substitution, internal transfers, or excess inventory utilization. Work closely with Sales and Operations to ensure sourced items meet performance and compliance requirements. Supplier & Contract Management Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships, regularly evaluating performance related to pricing, lead time, quality, and service. Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to achieve optimal value and reliability. Support contract reviews and ongoing supplier agreements to ensure consistent supply and cost stability. Inventory & Data Management Maintain accurate sourcing data, including lead times, costs, and MOQ requirements within procurement systems. Monitor SKU-level inventory data to identify purchasing triggers, prevent stockouts, and reduce slow-moving inventory. Support continuous improvement of procurement and inventory processes. Reporting & Analysis Generate and analyze procurement reports related to cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory health. Provide sourcing insights to support leadership decisions and contribute to the overall supply chain strategy. What you need: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent related work experience 1-3 years of professional experience as a Buyer or in a similar procurement role preferred Three or more years of professional sourcing experience preferred Background in sourcing or procurement within a $10M+ organization Professional experience in sourcing international suppliers required Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Programs, with expertise in Excel, and experienced with procurement software Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and market trends Proficiency in procurement software and tools Knowledge of supply chain management principles and best practices Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently with minimal supervision Ethical and professional conduct in all interactions Ability to travel to other Company locations and Vendors as needed, including overnight travel What we offer: Competitive base salary Comprehensive benefit package inc…

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