Senior Buyer

iMBranded; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

iMBranded is seeking a Senior Buyer to lead strategic sourcing and category management within assigned areas. You will drive demand planning, supplier performance, cost optimization, and inventory execution through cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Operations, Accounting, and external partners.

The role reports to the Senior Purchasing Manager and requires strong negotiation, data analysis, and vendor management skills to maintain cost integrity and policy compliance.

Qualifications

• College degree in business administration or supply chain management or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a buyer role (3+ years preferred)
• Proven experience in supply management and vendor negotiations
• Strong computer proficiency and systems aptitude
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks based on organizational needs

Responsibilities

• Research, select, and purchase quality products and materials
• Update inventory and maintain appropriate stock levels
• Create and process purchase orders
• Negotiate with vendors for best pricing
• Track inventory levels and lead times against forecasts
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Operations, and Accounting
• Oversee cost management and vendor performance
• Ensure policy compliance and data accuracy in purchasing systems

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Analytical reasoning

Strategic thinking

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Time management

MS Office & purchasing systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or supply chain

Tools

Microsoft Office

Purchasing systems

Job description

Job Description

iMBranded is one of the nation’s leading providers of facility imaging programs. We are a full-service manufacturer of fixtures, furniture and graphic products specializing in the retail automotive segment with OEMs and the dealer network.

The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading strategic sourcing and category management within assigned areas, evolving from transactional purchasing to full category ownership. This role drives demand planning, supplier performance, cost optimization, and inventory execution through cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Operations, Accounting, and external partners. Accountable for sourcing strategy, pricing negotiations, system accuracy, cost integrity, and policy compliance, the Senior Buyer reports to the Senior Purchasing Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (include, but are not limited to)

• Research, select and purchase quality products and materials.
• Update inventory and ensure that stock levels are kept at appropriate levels.
• Submit, review and acknowledge purchase orders as required.
• Create purchase orders for inventory and non-inventory purchase requirements.
• Considers appropriate data to issue product purchase orders within specified buy cycles, or as needed, to meet fulfillment objectives.
• Maintain strong internal working relationships with our Supply Chain Director, Senior Purchasing Manager and Operational / Accounting team;
• Maintain strong working relationships with our vendors; and negotiate with them for best pricing.
• Review purchasing agreements with vendors and maintain open lines of communications with those vendors;
• Develop an active process for tracking inventory levels and lead times, and determining purchasing needs based on Project Management forecasts;
• Stay current on industry trends and establish long-term supplier partnerships when advantageous.
• Compare product deliveries with issued purchase orders and contact vendors when there are discrepancies;
• Strategic sourcing and costing analysis in relationship with planning/forecasting
• Maintain and manage the material library, including ICC code creation and updates.
• Purchasing BOM Validation expert including new program roll-out requirements
• Oversee internal inventory cost management, including cost creation and reconciliation.

REQUIRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES (include but are not limited to)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strategic thinking with a continuous improvement mindset
• Advanced negotiation skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant purchasing systems

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

College degree in business administration or supply chain management, or equivalent work experience.

Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a buyer role (3+ years preferred)

Proven experience in supply management and vendor negotiations

Strong computer proficiency and systems aptitude

Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks based on organizational needs

WHO WE ARE

iMBranded is a leading national manufacturer specializing in architectural millwork and large format graphics across multiple industries including retail, hospitality, automotive and finance. Since 1996, we have been building branded environments for some of the world’s largest brands. Our team of experts understand the importance of even the most finite details of every fixture and how it brings the power of your brand to life.

Company Description

Since 1996, iMBranded specializes in helping automotive dealerships maximize the impression of their facilities on their clients. State-of-the-art technology, refined installation processes and direct relationships with the world’s top automotive manufacturers give iMBranded the ability to provide OEM-approved graphic and millwork solutions to thousands of dealerships across the country. Unmatched attention to detail, and a company culture built on minimizing disru