Junior Buyer

Colonial Wholesale Distributing; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Wholesale Distributing is seeking a Junior Buyer in Tampa, FL to assist the Purchasing Department with sourcing, purchasing, and managing materials and supplies for daily operations. You will support the Senior Buyer, ensure timely orders, and help maintain optimal inventory levels.

The role requires attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work with cross‑functional teams, including Sales and Warehouse. Growth opportunities exist toward a Buyer or Senior Buyer role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in business, supply chain, or purchasing a plus.
• 1-2 years of purchasing, inventory, administrative, or related experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook is expected.

Responsibilities

• Assist with purchasing materials, products, and supplies.
• Prepare and process purchase orders.
• Request and compare quotes from vendors and suppliers.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Track purchase orders to ensure timely delivery.
• Monitor inventory levels and identify purchasing needs.
• Support the Sales team by responding to inventory questions and customer order needs.
• Collaborate with Sales to identify inventory requirements and delivery dates.
• Coordinate issues related to manufactured items including delays, shortages, and quality concerns.
• Follow up with manufacturers and suppliers to resolve issues.
• Update internal departments on backorders and delayed shipments.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
• Resolve discrepancies with invoices and deliveries.
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors and manufacturers.
• Assist with negotiating pricing and payment terms.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Multitasking

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework in business or supply chain

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Junior Buyer is responsible for assisting the Purchasing Department with sourcing, purchasing, and managing materials, products, and supplies needed for daily business operations. This position supports the Senior Buyer by ensuring orders are placed accurately, deliveries are received on time, and inventory levels are maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with purchasing materials, products, and supplies.
• Prepare and process purchase orders.
• Request and compare quotes from vendors and suppliers.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Track purchase orders to ensure timely delivery.
• Monitor inventory levels and identify purchasing needs.
• Support the Sales team by responding to inventory questions, product availability, and customer order needs.
• Work closely with the Sales team to identify inventory requirements and communicate product availability and expected delivery dates.
• Communicate, coordinate, and manage issues related to manufactured items, including production delays, shortages, quality concerns, and delivery discrepancies.
• Follow up with manufacturers and suppliers to resolve product and order issues.
• Provide updates to internal departments regarding backorders, shortages, and delayed shipments.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
• Resolve discrepancies with invoices, purchase orders, and deliveries.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with vendors and manufacturers.
• Assist with negotiating pricing and payment terms.
• Work closely with warehouse, production, accounting, and sales departments.
• Support the Senior Buyer and Purchasing Manager with daily purchasing activities.

Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework in business, supply chain, or purchasing is a plus.
• 1-2 years of purchasing, inventory, administrative, or related experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with sales teams, vendors, manufacturers, and internal departments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Key Performance Expectations

• Purchase orders are processed accurately and on time.
• Inventory availability and purchasing needs are monitored and communicated.
• Sales team inventory questions and requests are addressed promptly.
• Manufacturer and product-related issues are communicated, tracked, and resolved in a timely manner.
• Delays, shortages, and backorders are communicated to the appropriate departments.
• Purchasing records and vendor communications are maintained accurately.
• Cost-effective purchasing and inventory management practices are supported.

Position Overview

The Junior Buyer plays an important role in supporting purchasing, inventory management, and overall business operations. This position serves as a key communication link between Purchasing, Sales, Warehouse, and manufacturers, helping ensure products are available, issues are addressed, and customer needs are supported. The position provides opportunities for growth into a Buyer or Senior Buyer role.