Job Vacancy Entry Level Purchasing Agent – Full Time – Swansea MA Cardis Furniture & Mattresses

Job title: Entry Level Purchasing Agent – Full Time – Swansea MA

Company: Cardis Furniture & Mattresses

Job description: JOB SUMMARY

Primary purpose is to win each day by delivering extraordinary service and value to each customer, every day. A Purchasing Agent is responsible for producing favorable outcomes for all customers, fellow team members, the company and the communities we serve.

This is an entry-level position that is designed to create a career path for an individual to succeed in a fast paced purchasing department. Assists buyers in all aspects of buying, i.e., develops merchandise assortments, to include selecting, purchasing and facilitating distribution of new product and the re-buy process for continuing product, assists stores in fine-tuning individual assortments and manages inventory. Does not manage any category on their own.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Assist assigned Buyer in the development and execution of product line-ups. This includes but is not limited to, the creation and maintenance of product knowledge database, price tags, product line-up, spreadsheets, sales aids/tools and pictures.
Be cross-trained on internal operational and merchandising functions to develop a complete knowledge of company procedures.
Prepare, process and/or review purchase orders as required and within purchasing authority.
Source price quotations.
Monitor inventory levels and reconcile physical inventories with records.
Generate and/or review inventory reports.
Expedite or follow up with suppliers to track and expedite delivery of orders, schedule deliveries, resolve material value discrepancy, outstanding and overdue delivery of orders, warranty claims and damage, and return of materials.
Prepare and maintain purchasing files, reports and price lists.
Handle quality and/or service concerns. Assist service department when needed to resolve vendor concerns, parts purchase orders, “red flag” items and resolve with factory or in-house.
Inspect and review returned products along with the returns department.
Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
Enter information into the computer system (orders, transfers, tags, spreadsheets, system updates, SKU maintenance, prices, etc.).
Create store podiums and charts.
Proof read orders and resolve discrepancies and/or correct inaccuracies.
Create special orders in computer system.
File and maintain documentation.
Vendor set-up, maintenance and account management.
Meet with vendor representatives to review new and current product
Support sales, management and other associates.
Participate in NiRoPe TV as required.
Interact and respond to all incoming calls / inquiries from customers, sales staff, factories, management and other departments via e-mail and telephone, in accordance with company and department objectives, policies and procedures. This includes translating with non-English speaking customers is able.
Visit store locations to evaluate merchandise according to individual store needs. Actively participate in setting up new showrooms. This includes facilitating the arrival and placement of new product and assisting with the physical opening and tagging of product.
Create and schedule transfers of product on and off showroom floor by coordinating with the Design Team and store managers. Must attain a through understanding of flow and departments affected.
Update Advertising/Website descriptions so that product is accurately described as represented on our showroom floors.
Manage vendor performance to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives.
Achieve sales, warehouse margin targets.
Visit store locations to evaluate merchandise according to individual store needs.
Maintain and manage all relevant reports.
Work with buyer on the management of discontinued product through the system until the end of the life cycle. Reduce retail price, balance stock, package groups and create price tags.
Procure and maintain point of purchase materials and vendor handbooks.
Address invoice and acknowledgement concerns.
Answers incoming telephone calls in a professional and courteous manner; direct callers to the appropriate person or take accurate messages as needed.
Demonstrate customer-focused attitude consistent with company guidelines.
Interact with other departments as necessary to resolve, prevent problems and improve existing procedures and systems.
Reports promptly errors found to management and assists, if necessary, in resolving the errors.
Provides feedback to management for possible improvements.
Assists with training and development of other associates, including on-the-job training for new associates.
Participates in training sessions, which will improve and reinforce own knowledge and skills.
Attend department / company meetings as required.
Complies with all applicable company health, safety and quality standards, policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Reports to management potential safety issues, hazards or violations.
Assists in maintaining security by reporting suspicious activity to management.
Perform other functions as needed and required
Embraces change by supporting and championing organizational change initiatives.

Models company image and culture through positive attitude, spirit of cooperation, appearance and respect for company policies and procedures on every aspect of role functions.

MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no management / supervisory responsibilities.

Required Skills

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability and/or physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills.

Demonstrated ability to handle (planning and managing) multiple tasks/projects simultaneously in a fast pace environment. Ability to work independently.

Strong customer orientation with excellent interpersonal communication skills.

Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

Proficient with Word Acrobat, Power Point and Excel, and working knowledge of computer operating system.

Time management skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning pricing formulas, vendor contracts, etc.

Be honest and trustworthy; demonstrate strong work ethics. Proficient in public speaking preferred.

Core Competencies

Job Knowledge
Work Quality / Work Quantity
Customer Focus
Initiative / Decision Making / Judgement
Communication / Active Listening
Accountability / Integrity
Interpersonal Skills / Team Oriented / Collaboration
Emotional Stability / Adaptability
Emotional Intelligence
Organization / Time Management
Creativity

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work performed in an office environment. Extensive amount of sitting and using office equipment and computers. Average mobility to move around an office environment and ability to do some lifting of supplies and materials from time to time. Working area is in a busy, open area office. Sensory demands – spends extensive time in intense concentration, entering financial information on a computer which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy. Must meet deadlines. Occasional travel to various store locations, buyer markets and suppliers. Flexible schedule (nights, weekends and key days as business requires).

Required Experience

Education/Certification/Licensure

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.

Experience

A minimum of one (1) year of related buying experience or working in a purchasing department preferred.