Purchasing Agent-Sparta

We are looking for a dynamic and dedicated Purchasing Agent or Inventory Controller with at least 3 - 5 years of experience. We are a Wisconsin based company that is family owned and operated with a strong community presence. We have an excellent team dynamic and benefits that are more than competitive. After 60 days, a team member can elect medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, accident insurance, pet insurance and 401(k) with a match. After 60 days, we offer free healthcare at the local Neighborhood Family Clinics (specific locations) for you and your in-home dependents. We also have team member discounts in our hardware stores.

Position: Purchasing Agent/Inventory Controller

Exempt Position: Full Time

Reports To: CEO and VP-Operations

Responsible for monthly reports to leadership including a slow-moving report and overstock report. Responsible for reducing the cost of goods sold while maintaining or increasing margins including setting retail pricing on products purchased. Drives purchasing and negotiating pricing for lumber, insulation, OSB, plywood, fasteners, and a myriad of other building products as needed. The Purchasing Agent/Inventory Controller is responsible for reducing inventory. The Purchasing Agent/Inventory Controller will engage in maintaining and growing manufacturer relationships. They will help reduce inventory of slow-moving items and assist in product line reviews throughout the store on a regular basis. Will work very closely with sales teams on large job quotes and ensures each store is adequately stocked. Location visits to other stores is required.

Education & Experience: A HS diploma or GED is required. Prior purchasing experience along with construction knowledge and secondary education in supply chain management is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Ability to self-motivate, take initiative and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

2. Adaptability to learn and utilize our processes and our computer systems that facilitate the job.

3. Ability to travel from site to site. Must have a valid drivers’ license with an acceptable driving record for insurance purposes. Mileage to work locations are paid.

4. This role would be purchasing all items for 3 retail stores and some items for Americon construction.

5. Aptitude and knowledge of principles and processes for increasing margins by negotiating with vendors; find new avenues of buying, bulk buying, seasonal buying.

6. Work cohesively with sales staff to maintain appropriate levels of inventory for upcoming jobs. Taking advantage of future sales knowledge to maximize margins.

7. Capacity to increase inventory turns, reduce obsolete items, and purchase in an efficient cost-effective manner.

8. Responsible to track vendor rebates and chase new and improve existing rebate programs.

9. Knowledge and understanding of tracking fuel, freight, other items, and fees per vendor to work on reduction of costs.

10. Strong oral and written communication skills with vendors, customers and team members.

11. Must be willing and able to learn product information, hardware and construction practices and apply that knowledge to be able to perform the job well.

12. Competencies in considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate choice.

13.Use of logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

14. Robust skills in negotiation and persuasion.

15. Long term: Aptitude to learn the futures market and discuss ownership about potential opportunities to take risk with futures contracts.

Work Environment: Typical day will be 9 hours (full time) 5 days per week. Work will be both inside and outside the store which will subject the team member to conditions and elements of being outside. Team member is required to attend all sheduled inventory meetings, safety presentations and store meetings.

Physical Requirements: Light work-lifting 20 pounds frequently and/or normal carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. May occasionally lift up to 50 pounds to put an inventory item away or help a customer. Team member must use hands for repetitive use such as using the computer, calculators, cash registers, fax machine, copiers around 75-80% of the time. Typical requirements in a 9-hour day would require you to stand/sit/walk for 6-9 hours and frequently bend, stoop, crouch, crawl, reach above head, below body, or out. Team member may have to stand for long periods of time or sit for long periods of time.