Buyer

Talon Hiring Solutions; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Talon Hiring Solutions in Homewood, AL, is seeking an analytical Buyer to join the purchasing team. The role focuses on purchasing and inventory replenishment to ensure product availability while balancing investment and profitability.

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years in buying or inventory management, strong data analysis, and the ability to manage supplier relationships. Proficiency with ERP systems like Acumatica and tools such as Excel and Power BI is a plus.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of buying, purchasing or inventory management experience.
• Bachelor's degree is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and purchasing activities.
• Analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify discrepancies and risks.
• Experience making data-driven purchasing decisions.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing and inventory replenishment to balance product availability with profitability.
• Monitor inventory levels, demand, and aging stock to identify risks and opportunities.
• Resolve shortages and backorders proactively.
• Track supplier performance including on-time delivery and order accuracy.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and negotiate terms.
• Collaborate with internal teams to resolve supply chain issues and drive improvements.
• Provide data-driven recommendations based on demand and inventory levels.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Inventory management

Data analysis

Supplier relationships

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Acumatica ERP

StockIQ

Zendesk

Power BI

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Talon Hiring Solutions has a client that is seeking an analytical, proactive, and detailed-oriented Buyer to join there purchasing team in Homewood, AL. This role is responsible for purchasing and inventory replenishment activities that ensure customers get the products they need, when they need them. The ideal candidate will have strong purchasing and inventory management experience, the ability to analyze data and make sound decisions, and the confidence to build and manage supplier relationships. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and taking ownership of purchasing activities from start to finish.

What You'll Do:

• Manage purchasing and inventory replenishment activities to maintain product availability while balancing inventory investment and company profitability
• Monitor inventory levels, demand, replenishment plans, inventory turns, and aging inventory to identify opportunities or potential risks
• Proactively identify and resolve purchasing-related shortages and backorder s
• Monitor supplier performance, including on-time delivery, fill rates, order accuracy, and purchase order complianc e
• Build and maintain strong day-to-day relationships with assigned suppliers
• Address supplier issues, customer requests, product concerns, returns, and other supply-related challenges
• Negotiate pricing, discounts, freight/transportation arrangements, and other commercial terms within established authority
• Review purchase price variance s, validate cost changes, and ensure purchasing data is accurate
• Provide data-driven recommendations based on demand, supply conditions, inventory levels, and business needs
• Partner with internal teams to resolve purchasing and supply chain issues
• Identify recurring problems, process inefficiencies, and opportunities for continuous improvement
• Maintain ownership and follow-through on purchasing issues through resolution
• Provide backup support for other purchasing responsibilities as needed

What you will bring:

• 3-5 years of experien ce in buying, purchasing, procurement, inventory management, operations, or a related supply chain role.
• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
• Experience managin g supplier relationships and purchasing activities
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify discrepancies, risks, and root cause
• Experience making purchasing or inventory decisions based on data and business need
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and changing priorities
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accurac
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with both suppliers and internal stakeholder
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to collaborate or elevate issue
• A proactive, solution-oriented approach with a willingness to challenge existing processes and recommend improvement
• Proficiency i n Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outloo
• Experience wit h Acumatica ERP, StockIQ, Zendesk, Microsoft Copilot, or Power BI is a plus