Job Purpose
The Junior Buyer is directly responsible for sourcing and coordinating the movement of purchased materials from suppliers and addressing any supply issues. This position includes coordinating production requirements aligned with sales forecasts. Other tasks include resolving issues pertaining to material defects, invoice discrepancies as well as delivery timelines.
The Junior Buyer’s main goal is to source and manage product and material supplies with the warehouse, store managers and suppliers to maintain the appropriate level of inventory agreed by the Directors.
A key deliverable of this role is that the Junior Buyer will make effective decisions around sourcing and management of SKUs, keeping accurate records of purchases and inventory in an organized and timely manner.
Responsibilities
Purchasing Operations
Internal purchasing planning which involves forecasting future purchasing trends to optimise ordering efficiency
Perform data and sales analysis to optimise proficient ordering
Remain current of pricing trends, changes, restrictions, or any other variables that could affect purchasing strategies and make necessary recommendations
Arrange and submit purchase orders to vendors with great accuracy and effectiveness
Make decisions on & manage the item selection of designated item categories
Compare invoices against purchase orders and shipping & receiving documents to verify receipt of items ordered
Compile data to generate weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports to be used for cost-saving initiatives
Monitor the profitability of procured merchandise and take necessary actions to help achieve company’s gross profit targets
Inventory Management
Procurement coordination to ensure purchasing department operations run smoothly
Set appropriate targets for product inventory levels based on data analysis
Receive delivery of ordered supplies and verify shipment contents for accuracy, condition and quantity and take action on any discrepancies
Contact vendors to address any expected or unexpected material shortages
Make alternate arrangements in the event of shortages or delayed deliveries to minimize impact on the organization
Oversee and manage the inventory of designated categories to improve the right amount of inventory for the right items
Supplier/Vendor Management
Meet with vendors to help lead negotiations around terms, new-arrivals, deals and returns
Receive and handle invoices from vendors; verify that the information on invoices is for agreed-upon prices, products, shipment date and shipping method
Compile data from vendor invoices and supporting documents to verify accuracy of billing data and to ensure receipt of items ordered
Contact suppliers regarding errors in partial or duplicate shipments, prices and substitutions considering returns for subsequent credits, refunds or replacements
Maintain Cloré’s standard of professionalism and ethics in all dealing with internal Managers and vendors
Head Office Communications
Work with the Purchasing Manager, to identify and suggest opportunities for improvement in purchasing policies and procedures
Assist the Purchasing Manager to coordinate work with the Warehouse Manager to create functional delivery schedules to Distribution Centre for on time delivery
Make suggestions and provide the necessary information to the Marketing Department to assist with their planned Cloré brand activities, events or promotions, including online and offline promotions
Communicate with all Retail Managers & the Retail Operations Manager to ensure effective movement of inventory within the retail stores
Competencies and Person Specification
The role of the Junior Buyer requires:
Leadership - a willingness to take responsibility for this important role, with good data management and analytical skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills even under pressure and offer direction and guidance
Communication – clear communication skills, especially with Head Office Managers
Time Management – the ability to manage and use one's time effectively or productively
Team Player – a Team Player at purchasing level and at the Company level
Drive – a high degree of self-motivation and the ability to motivate others
Dependability – a high degree of reliability, responsibility, dependability and the ability to fulfill obligations in a timely manner
Initiative – a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges in a proactive manner
Self-Assessment – the ability to handle feedback and constructive criticism
Problem Solving Skills - can solve and make decisions even under pressure
Interpersonal Skills – ability to interact with others in a positive manner
Key Relationships
This person reports directly to the Purchasing Manager
Other key relationships are:
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Majority of time sitting in front of a computer
Standing and walking for parts of the shift
Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs or more
Effective communication between vendors and colleagues
May be required to travel for industry shows and vendor meetings outside of regular working condition
Qualifications
Post secondary education required, preferred in Business or Economics
Previous Merchandising experience an asset
Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
Minimum 2 year experience in a wholesale and/or retail environment preferably in Health and Beauty
Retail sales experience an asset
Cloré is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. Duties may change or be assigned as required by business needs.
Please note that we use AI for the initial round of screening.
