Buyer - Galloup at The Kendall Group in Grand Rapids, MI

Buyer - Galloup

Location: Grand Rapids, MI · Onsite

About The Kendall Group

The Kendall Group is comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states. Combined, we serve the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, and Fitting products, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation Industries. The Kendall Group is a 100% employee-owned company. Kendall offers a great opportunity for a rewarding career.

Why The Kendall Group?

Our employee ownership model is the core of who we are. You will not only own part of the company, but you will own your future. At Kendall, you'll have opportunities to learn and grow while being coached and mentored along the way. We're that company where people stay! We're proud to say more than 60% of our associates have more than 5 years of tenure, and more than 40% have greater than 10 years. At Kendall, you will be valued and supported, your ideas will be heard, your voice will matter, and you'll work alongside incredible people who care about your success.

Role Summary:
Reporting to the Purchasing Supervisor, the Buyer is responsible for the procurement of merchandise for distribution following company procedures and practices. It will require a blend of skills and experience focused on procurement and inventory control of thousands of SKU’s at Galloup branches. The Buyer will set and define proper inventory levels and ensure reasonable turns based on sales. Buyer must possess a sound knowledge of procurement procedures and technical knowledge of the items purchased.

Exciting work you will do:

The essential duties and responsibilities of the Buyer position will consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assemble requisitions, purchase orders, and special orders from all order sources and confer with departments regarding requirements, specifications, quantity and quality of merchandise, and delivery requirements; recommend substitutes where a savings in cost or improved delivery will result
• Use computer data to record, edit, and control the purchasing process
• Maintain relationships with vendors; locate vendors, determine vendor capabilities, obtain quotations, and perform comparative analysis of quotations; interview vendors and their representatives and maintain close contact by correspondence, telephone, and other means
• Assist with negotiating pricing and terms with suppliers
• Update computer database with price information; provide pricing, sourcing, and application information to internal and external customers
• Serve in an advisory capacity to assist in obtaining proper specifications, quotations, delivery terms, and costs
• Handle credit adjustments with vendors involving replacement of materials not conforming to purchase specifications, return of surplus material, and cancellation of orders; ensure that appropriate credit is received
• Review inventory turns and surplus; find creative ways to turn slow and non-moving inventory
• Research ERP processes and find efficiency gains
• Support and back up the purchasing department
• Perform part number description review and clean up; buy package review and mass updates
• Undergo in-depth ERP training; create reports in the ERP system and be a resource for others
• Other duties as assigned

Competencies you possess:

• Customer Focus

• Results, Action Oriented

• Accountability and Responsibility

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Problem Solving

• Strategic Ability

• Negotiating

• Self-starter, self-motivation

What you’ll need:

• Work Experience: 2 years’ distribution or customer service experience
• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Analytics/Computer Skills: Ability to use standard office equipment, proficient with Microsoft Office products, especially Excel; strong analytical skills; understanding of inventory calculations, forecasting, and modeling
• Organization Skills: Excellent communication and negotiation skills; highly organized and detail-oriented; ability to multi-task and shift priorities as needed; ability to work in a fast-paced, continuously evolving environment; ability to prioritize, document processes, and track progress
• Cross-functional skills: Self-motivated; strong phone presence and listening skills
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate well with all levels of the organization and external customers
• Physical, Mental and Visual Skills: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to see, talk, and hear
  • Ability to sit for 8 hours a day
• Physical Environment: Normal office environment

Qualifications we prefer but don’t require:

• Work Experience: 3 years of industry sales or procurement experience
• Analytics/Computer Skills: 3 years’ experience with Eclipse ERP
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management or related field

The Kendall Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.