Temporary Buyer I

Kirby Corporation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirby Corporation in Houston, TX is seeking a Buyer to handle purchase transactions, requisition analysis, and vendor negotiations to support production schedules and customer needs.

The role emphasizes accurate requisitions, supplier relationship management, and inventory optimization, with a focus on timely delivery and cost-effective sourcing. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; degree in business or technical field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience as a buyer preferred.
• Knowledge of purchasing practices and materials.
• Knowledge of inventory software and programs.
• Strong analytical and verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Processes purchasing transactions according to policies.
• Examines and analyzes purchase requisitions for completeness and accuracy.
• Identifies and selects vendors and places orders to meet schedules.
• Negotiates with suppliers for best pricing and delivery.
• Monitors orders to ensure on-time delivery and resolves issues.
• Maintains stock levels and reviews inventory thresholds.
• Develops and refines specifications for commodities and supplies.
• Writes and issues complex bid invitations or RFPs; analyzes bids.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Dependability

Teamwork

Professionalism

Education

High school diploma/GED

Business or technical degree preferred

Tools

Inventory software

Job description

Overview

Purchases materials, equipment, supplies and services of a specialized or complex nature in accordance with prescribed purchasing regulations and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Processes purchasing transactions according to policies established by UE policies and procedures.
• Examines and analyzes purchase requisitions for completeness and accuracy of information; contacts department or initiator to clarify or complete information; determines method to process requisition based on dollar amount, timeliness required, existing open contracts, and/or competitive bidding.
• Identifies and selects vendor to procure requisitioned commodities, meeting criteria such as price, quantity, quality, and delivery date and then places orders to meet production schedule and customer requirements. Negotiate with suppliers to ensure best pricing and delivery.
• Review and work PO suggestions daily.
• Provide reports as required.
• Monitor and track orders to ensure on-time delivery. Resolve issues on delivery, price, and quality if they occur and inform all parties affected.
• Reviewing reports for stock outs and expediting open orders.
• Review and maintain order points for inventory stock levels.
• Identifies needs and develops and refines specifications for commodities, supplies or equipment.
• Develop new sources of supply, securing favorable terms for the Company; updates records and files and secures samples, descriptions, photos or information for review and records.
• Interprets and communicates purchasing procedures; initiates requisition and orders and solves problems with orders.
• Writes and distributes complex and technical bid invitations or requests for proposals; receives and analyzes bids, quotes, proposals, and awards the contract.
• Resolves purchasing problems with vendor.
• Monitor price increases and communicating changes as necessary.
• Maintain a strong, personal commitment to the safety culture.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Competencies:

• Demonstrates quality work through accuracy, thoroughness and attention to detail.
• Exhibits efficiency in problem solving by identifying and resolving problems in a timely manner.
• Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills and share expertise with others.
• Commitment to a standard of excellence in customer service.
• Shows adaptability by effectively responding to frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Exhibits superior dependability by consistently arriving to work on time and as scheduled.
• Contributes to building a positive team environment through commitment, respect, and communication.
• Demonstrates professionalism by acting with integrity, high moral standards, and personal accountability.
• Shows organizational support by consistently following policy and procedures.

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma/general education degree (GED) or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Degree in business or a technical field preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience as a buyer preferred.
• Knowledge of purchasing practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of materials, products, and the commodity market in area of specialization.
• Skill in preparing and analyzing complex technical specifications and bids.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Prefer candidates with a working knowledge of warehouse and inventory operations.
• Experience with and knowledge of inventory software and programs.
• Strong calculative and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to meet required deadlines and manage time effectively.
• Ability to utilize desktop computer systems, hardware, and operating systems.

Physical Activities & Requirements:

Standard Office Environment

Working Conditions:

Standard Office Environment

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.