Field Buyer II General Admin

Colonial Group; Town of Cottage Grove (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking a procurement professional to drive negotiations, manage supplier relationships, and optimize purchasing strategies. The role involves coordinating with vendors, monitoring market trends, and implementing inventory controls to meet production and customer needs.

You will develop category strategies and long-range sourcing plans while ensuring compliance with pricing policies and regulatory requirements. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field.
• Five years of related experience.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Purchases assigned products by contacting vendors for information on product, price, availability, and delivery date.
• Negotiate prices and terms with vendors within budget and authority.
• Implement inventory control strategies and manage inventory turns.
• Conduct competitive price comparisons and monitor market trends.
• Identify overstock items and recommend reduction strategies.
• Negotiate settlements on rejected or defective items.
• Develop and maintain strategic vendor relationships for sourcing and efficiency.
• Develop category strategies and long-range sourcing plans for key categories.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ERP system

Job description

PURPOSE

Drives negotiations for optimal pricing and quality standards in the development of purchasing agreements. Expedites orders to meet production and customer needs. Maintains on‑going relationships with suppliers by securing bids and placing purchase orders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Purchases specifically assigned products by contacting vendors to obtain information concerning product, price, availability, and delivery date.
• Negotiates prices and terms with vendors/suppliers within budgetary limitations and scope of authority following company purchasing policies and procedures.
• Implements inventory control strategies as set forth by the company, including management of inventory turns and physical inventory requirements.
• Conducts competitive price comparisons by keeping abreast of current product developments and trends in areas of expertise.
• Identifies overstock items and looks for ways to reduce quantities that are beneficial to the company.
• Negotiates settlements on rejected or defective items.
• Provides feedback on pricing of items based on established pricing strategies.
• Develops and maintains strategic vendor relationships through management of the overall strategy for sourcing materials to create a sustainable competitive advantage, increase ROIC, and ensure efficiency, sales, and profitability targets are met.
• Develops and establishes new and existing vendor relationships, both domestic and import.
• Develops category strategies and long‑range sourcing plans for key categories that optimize value delivery from suppliers.
• Measures and reviews supplier performance and leads supplier continuous improvement programs ensuring suppliers meet quality requirements and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Communicates market fluctuations and any related commodities problems.
• Provides functional advice to less experienced buyers when necessary.
• Prepares required information regarding purchasing impact on financial reporting and assist in financial statement preparation.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Potential to supervisor assigned team members and provides guidance to less-experienced buyers on their team.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Five (5) years of related experience

Or equivalent combination of education and experience

COMPETENCIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of material management and procurement function
• Skill in analyzing market trends
• Strong analytical, quantitative, problem solving, and technical skills to interpret data, analyze trends, and provide solutions
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and a enterprise resource planning (ERP) program

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

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.

• Work is mainly in an office setting, but subject to both typical office environment and outside locations with temperature and weather variations.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently and on occasion up to 80 pounds.
• Occasional travel by car or plane may be required.