Buyer, Supply Chain Manager

Buyer- Supply Chain Planner

Summary

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing materials, products, and supplies required to support our client's production and operational needs. This role ensures that inventory levels align with demand forecasts while maintaining supplier relationships, negotiating pricing, and optimizing cost efficiency. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, and proactive, with strong communication and negotiation skills.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

· Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and delivery performance

· Issue purchase orders and track order status to ensure timely delivery of materials and supplies

· Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with Sales and Operations teams to prevent stockouts or overstock situations

· Review demand forecasts, consumption trends, and sales patterns to determine purchasing needs

· Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to optimize cost and value

· Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, and product data

· Monitor supplier performance including delays, shortages, pricing discrepancies, and quality concerns

· Analyze market trends, cost fluctuations, and supplier performance to support purchasing strategies

· Collaborate with Finance to ensure accurate invoice reconciliation and timely payment processing

· Support the development and refinement of procurement processes and SOPs

· Coordinate with Sales and Operations to ensure material availability for scheduled work

· Evaluate new suppliers, materials, or products that could enhance quality and reduce cost

· Perform regular review of slow-moving or obsolete inventory and recommend corrective actions

· Complete additional tasks that may be assigned by the Director of Operations.

Competency Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and other Attributes)

· Strong understanding of procurement principles, supply chain workflows, and inventory management

· Excellent negotiation and vendor relationship skills

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions

· High attention to detail and accuracy in ordering, tracking, and documentation

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) is an asset

· Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

· Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple purchases simultaneously

· Problem-solving mindset with the ability to resolve supplier or material issues quickly

· Collaborative team player with a proactive, results-oriented approach

Education, Training, Experience Requirements

· Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred

· 5-10 years of purchasing or procurement experience, ideally in manufacturing, distribution, or production environments

· Experience managing inventory and procurement over multiple sites is an asset

· Knowledge of custom framing, art materials, print on demand, or home décor products is a plus

· Experience sourcing and coordinating with overseas suppliers

· Training or certification in supply chain (e.g., APICS, CPP) is an asset