Category Buyer I

Discount Tire; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Discount Tire is seeking a Category Buyer I to research and analyze suppliers, negotiate terms, and manage vendor relationships. The role focuses on ensuring lowest cost, best quality, and on-time delivery while supporting procurement processes and risk management.

Ideal candidates will have 3+ years in sourcing/procurement, familiarity with contract terms, and proficiency in MS Office and ITSM tools. Monday–Friday schedule with standard daytime hours in Scottsdale, AZ.

Qualifications

• This position requires at least three years in sourcing, procurement, vendor management or related areas.
• Experience with contracts and vendor performance management is beneficial.
• Strong communication and stakeholder relationship skills are essential.
• Familiarity with ITSM platforms and procurement tools is desired.

Responsibilities

• Researches and analyzes suppliers to ensure lowest cost, best quality and on-time delivery.
• Coordinates sourcing initiatives, RFx documents and vendor communications.
• Participates in procurement lifecycle including quotes, bids, onboarding and renewals.
• Maintains vendor management processes and monitors supplier performance and risk.
• Supports internal customers with procurement questions and process guidance.

Skills

Vendor management

Analytical skills

ITSM experience

ServiceNow

MS Office

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

ServiceNow

Contract Lifecycle Management

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Here at Discount Tire, we celebrate the spirit of our people with extraordinary pride and enthusiasm. Our business has been growing for over 60 years and now is the best time in our history to join us. We are opening more locations every year and we are always looking for qualified individuals to join us in our growth. We are a company that promotes from within, both in our retail and corporate operations.

Here at Discount Tire, we celebrate the spirit of our people with extraordinary pride and enthusiasm. Our business has been growing for over 60 years and now is the best time in our history to join us. We are opening more locations every year and we are always looking for qualified individuals to join us in our growth. We are a company that promotes from within, both in our retail and corporate operations.

Under immediate supervision, the Category Buyer I researches and analyzes suppliers to ensure they meet our Company's needs for lowest cost, best quality, on-time delivery, and that is safe for the organization. Aims to reduce risk to the Company, reduce costs, save customers time, and make procurement Inviting, Easy and Safe.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Researches and analyzes potential suppliers; provides recommendations for suppliers that align with business strategy; ensures lowest cost, best quality, and on-time delivery.
• Conducts supplier research and analysis, including, but not limited to, supplier discovery/ due diligence, market/ industry intelligence/ conditions; provides recommendations and reporting.
• Coordinates sourcing initiatives by preparing and distributing RFx documents, managing vendor communications, and facilitating activities such as scoring review, reference checks, and vendor demonstrations
• Participates in procurement lifecycle including supplier quotes/ bids, price negotiations, onboarding, supplier management, and renewals.
• Facilitates maintenance and processing of Non-Disclosure Agreements, Statement of Work, Contingent Worker Agreements, and other routine documents including templates and tool kits for procurement and vendor management processes. Monitors supplier performance/ compliance; identifies problem areas and collaborates with stakeholders to develop recommendations to mitigate risk and improve performance.
• Regularly evaluates supplier offerings, usage and category spend; identifies opportunities to reduce cost and improve performance; provides recommendations that support the business's strategic goals and plans.
• Stays current on the latest industry technologies, trends, and strategies.
• Assists employees, vendors or other customers by answering questions related to sourcing and procurement processes, procedures, and services.
• Completes work in a timely and accurate manner while providing exceptional customer service.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• This position requires a minimum of three years sourcing, procurement, vendor management, analytics, inventory management, supply chain, or related experience.
• Knowledge of contracts and contractual language is beneficial.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers are essential.
• Understanding of supplier performance management best practices is beneficial.
• Ability to collaborate and facilitate discussions with suppliers and internal stakeholders is vital.
• Experience in IT Service Mgmt Platform (ITSM) and Procurement Performance Suite is necessary; ServiceNow and Contract Lifecycle Management platforms preferred.
• Business acumen knowledge and understanding of business and procurement issues, priorities, goals, and strategy is beneficial.
• Ability to provide innovative ideas/ solutions is desirable.
• This position requires excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including skills with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio is necessary.
• Proven customer service skills, including the ability to manage and respond to different customer and supplier situations while maintaining a positive and friendly attitude are essential.
• The ability to work efficiently and accurately under pressure, meet deadlines, present a professional demeanor, and work well independently is essential.
• In addition, organizational and problem-solving skills, a can-do attitude, and the ability to adjust to changing requirements are essential.
• Maintaining confidentiality, treating others with respect and upholding Company values are key attributes.

Educational Requirements

This position requires an Associate's degree or equivalent work experience. Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Contract Management, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field is preferred.

Work Days

Normal workdays are Monday through Friday. Occasional Saturdays and Sundays may be necessary.

Work Hours

Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be necessary.

Discount Tire provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.