Remote Assistant Buyer - Inventory & Vendors

Walman Optical; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Walman Optical is seeking an Assistant Buyer to manage purchasing activities, vendor relationships, and inventory control from a remote/hybrid setup. You will process POs, monitor stock and backorders, and collaborate across departments to ensure timely fulfillment and cost efficiency.

Join a team focused on continuous improvement, accurate reporting, and strong customer service. This role requires 2–3 years of purchasing experience, proficiency in MS Office and SAP/Dynamics knowledge, and the

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of purchasing experience or related field.
• Knowledge of purchasing and inventory best practices.
• Knowledge and experience with improving processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage priorities, workflow, and implementing actions.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Systems literate – Microsoft Dynamics, SAP is preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and process all purchasing activities in support of operations, including vendor management, inventory stockouts, development of usage tools, invoicing, returns, and audits.
• Process purchase orders per inventory needs, timely fulfillment, and purchasing schedule.
• Track and address any back-order issues, and all other manual reporting; audit as necessary.
• Establish and maintain professional communication with internal/external customers, and vendors.
• Manage vendors by establishing new relationships, negotiating rates, and identifying alternative vendor support options.
• Update and maintain accurate records in Solomon, including vendor costs, vendor source, lead times, and vendor codes.
• Collaboratively work with inter-departments and vendors to determine lead times, or any other measures that may impact purchases.
• Notify leadership team on escalated issues such as inventory coverage changes, vendor cost increases, or PO dates that may negatively impact customers.
• Trace inbound/outbound shipments and on-time deliveries; follow up with vendors on past-due shipments.
• Participate in continuous improvement activity; including development of new tools for usage review and reordering optimization.
• Route debit memos and product returns to correct department(s) and/or vendors.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Prioritization

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Walman Optical is seeking an Assistant Buyer to manage purchasing activities, vendor relationships, and inventory control from a remote/hybrid setup. You will process POs, monitor stock and backorders, and collaborate across departments to ensure timely fulfillment and cost efficiency.

Join a team focused on continuous improvement, accurate reporting, and strong customer service. This role requires 2–3 years of purchasing experience, proficiency in MS Office and SAP/Dynamics knowledge, and the