Strategic Buyer & Inventory Optimizer

Talon Hiring Solutions; Homewood (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Talon Hiring Solutions has a client seeking an analytical, proactive Buyer to join their purchasing team in Homewood, AL. This role focuses on purchasing and inventory replenishment to ensure product availability while balancing profitability.

The ideal candidate will manage supplier relationships, analyze data, and own purchasing from start to finish. The successful candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in buying or related supply chain roles, a Bachelor's degree, and strong analytical

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in buying, purchasing, procurement, inventory management, operations, or a related supply chain role.
• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
• Experience managing supplier relationships and purchasing activities
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify discrepancies, risks, and root cause
• Experience making purchasing or inventory decisions based on data and business need
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and changing priorities
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with both suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to collaborate or escalate issues
• A proactive, solution-oriented approach with a willingness to challenge existing processes and recommend improvement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook
• Experience with Acumatica ERP, StockIQ, Zendesk, Microsoft Copilot, or Power BI is a plus

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing and inventory replenishment activities to maintain product availability while balancing inventory investment and company profitability
• Monitor inventory levels, demand, replenishment plans, inventory turns, and aging inventory to identify opportunities or potential risks
• Proactively identify and resolve purchasing-related shortages and backorders
• Monitor supplier performance, including on-time delivery, fill rates, order accuracy, and purchase order compliance
• Build and maintain strong day-to-day relationships with assigned suppliers
• Address supplier issues, customer requests, product concerns, returns, and other supply-related challenges
• Negotiate pricing, discounts, freight/transportation arrangements, and other commercial terms within established authority
• Review purchase price variances, validate cost changes, and ensure purchasing data is accurate
• Provide data-driven recommendations based on demand, supply conditions, inventory levels, and business needs
• Partner with internal teams to resolve purchasing and supply chain issues
• Identify recurring problems, process inefficiencies, and opportunities for continuous improvement
• Maintain ownership and follow-through on purchasing issues through resolution
• Provide backup support for other purchasing responsibilities as needed

Skills

Purchasing

Inventory management

Data analysis

Supplier relationships

Analytical thinking

Excel

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem solving

Power BI

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Acumatica ERP

StockIQ

Zendesk

Microsoft Copilot

Power BI

Job description

Talon Hiring Solutions has a client seeking an analytical, proactive Buyer to join their purchasing team in Homewood, AL. This role focuses on purchasing and inventory replenishment to ensure product availability while balancing profitability.

The ideal candidate will manage supplier relationships, analyze data, and own purchasing from start to finish. The successful candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in buying or related supply chain roles, a Bachelor's degree, and strong analytical