The Buying Group Manager leads a team of buyers while optimizing inventory purchasing processes. Working closely with the Director of Supply Chain Analytics, this position ensures critical items maintain appropriate stock levels -balancing timely availability against excess inventory costs. This position collaborates across departments implementing cost-effective purchasing strategies that advance company objectives. (
This is meant to be a guide. Duties may vary dependent upon management.)Essential Position Functions:- Purchasing Performance: Oversee the daily buying function to ensure accuracy and timeliness. Review system-suggested purchases based on forecasts, lead times, and demand trends, and ensure purchase orders (POs) are placed with vendors on schedule. Drive order accuracy and compliance with standard operating procedures while refining inventory management processes to improve fill rates and inventory turns.
- Team Leadership: Build, develop, and lead a high-performing purchasing team. Provide clear direction, constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities to maximize team capability and retention
- Strategic Supplier Management: Cultivate productive relationships with key vendors to negotiate improved lead times, optimize order quantities, and secure favorable pricing and terms. Implement vendor performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to optimize inventory replenishment processes and align inventory strategies with overall business objectives.
- Cost Control: Lead cost-saving initiatives, monitor and control purchasing expenses, and drive continuous improvement throughout procurement operations to enhance company profitability.
- Contract Management: Work with internal stakeholders to manage the lifecycle of procurement contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual agreements and mitigating risks.
- Regulatory Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards across all purchasing and inventory management activities. Develop and implement best practices to ensure ongoing compliance.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.
Education and/or Experience:- Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or related field (master's degree preferred) or equivalent experience.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management, with a demonstrated history of increasing responsibility.
- Minimum 2+ years supervising buyers or purchasing staff.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Experience in wholesale distribution preferred; paper, packaging, or janitorial/sanitation products a plus.
- Proven track record of strategic procurement and inventory management.
- Exceptional negotiation and contract management skills.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and compliance standards.
- Certification in supply chain management (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) is a plus.
- Must have advanced Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) skills. (should be able to do pivot tables, VLookups, etc.)
- Experience with ERP and inventory replenishment systems (e.g., Infor, SAP, Epicor, or similar).
- Must be able to efficiently use a Windows-based computer.
- Ability to prioritize and complete assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
- Able to effectively handle multiple priorities with a strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral and written communications skills.
- Must be able to work alone, and with a team.
- Must be able to read and communicate in English, for safe and effective performance of the job and business operations.
Work Environment:The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
- Regularly required to walk and stand continuously for long periods of time.
- Talk or hear, both in person and by telephone.
- Reach with hands and arms.
- Repetitive bending, twisting.
- Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
- Lift up to 25 lbs.
Mental Demands
- Regularly required to use written and oral communication skills.
- Will interact regularly with managers and staff.
- Must be able to work independently with little supervision.
Work Environment
- Employee works primarily in an office environment, and the noise level is usually quiet.
