Senior Buyer

Lil' Drug Store Products; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lil' Drug Store Products is seeking a procurement professional to source and purchase goods for the organization, negotiating pricing with vendors and ensuring on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in SCM, procurement, or operations management and at least six years of related experience, with strong Excel and ERP/MRP skills.

We value ethics, analytical thinking, and the ability to collaborate across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in SCM, procurement or operations management.
• Minimum 6 years in related field; 8 years if no degree.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong ethics and integrity.
• Analytical thinking with data-driven improvements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Team-oriented with results focus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze MRP reports to buy based on forecast, consumption, and inventory.
• Manage supplier relationships, communication, and strategy.
• Support production planning for contract packaging vendors.
• Coordinate with departments to forecast demand and ensure timely delivery.
• Track late purchase orders and update Operations with accurate info.
• Assist Distribution Center with vendor quality issues.
• Support cost-saving initiatives and vendor negotiations.
• Update item specifications including artwork revisions.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Communication

Team Orientation

Results Focus

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Operations Management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Purpose of the Job: Responsible for sourcing and purchasing goods for the organization by working closely with vendors to negotiate pricing and ensure timely delivery of goods.

Reports To: Senior Manager of Procurement

Supervisory Responsibility: No

Essential Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Analyze MRP reports and make buying decisions based off forecast, consumption, and inventory levels
• Manage supplier relationship, communication, and strategy
• Provide support with production, scheduling, and planning for all contract packaging vendors
• Collaborate with other departments to forecast demand, plan inventory levels, and ensure timely delivery of goods and services
• Track late open purchase orders, communicate with supplier to obtain accurate information, and update the Operations teams as needed
• Assist the Distribution Center team with vendor quality concerns, utilizing the incident report system
• Support cost savings initiatives, including product design inputs, process improvements, and vendor negotiations
• Work with supplier and internal teams to track and update item specifications such as artwork revisions and other key information
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Operations Management preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years working in a related field required (8 years in lieu of degree)
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
• Ethics, Integrity, Values: Has values aligned with the company and acts accordingly
• Analytical Skills: Interprets and digests complex information. Devises or suggests pertinent improvements or corrections to processes, procedures, or plans based on strong analytical findings.
• Problem Solving Skills: Sees and is able to define problems. Investigates, assesses, and correctly identifies root causes. Proactively implements fixes and changes as needed.
• Technology Skills: Has strong computer skills; mastery of specialized technology or software.
• Interpersonal Communication: Relates well to people, verbally and in written form. Builds rapport with all levels within and outside company.
• Team Orientation: Within team, fulfills own role and can be counted on. Steps up to assist others or support team as needed.
• Results Focus: Handles high volume workload; makes adjustments to achieve required results. Is action and results oriented.

Physical and Working Environment:

• Office hours are generally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but may be adjusted up to one hour in either direction as needs demand
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment etc. and may infrequently require moving materials up to 40 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Travel may be required, generally less than once/month.