Senior Buyer

The Senior Buyer is the main contact for Replenishment issues associated with the respective Product Team. Performs the buying function for 2-4 strategic suppliers in the product group and has intimate knowledge of their operation. Core function for the team is to purchase product from suppliers, ensure it arrives in the DCs on time and is available for sale as planned.

Major Responsibilities
- Personally responsible for PO requisition review, placement and inventory management for 2-4 strategic suppliers.
- Manages the team's responsibility for:
- PO review and placement for all suppliers associated with the Product Team
- Management of the open order file – past dues, expediting, etc.
- Reducing lead times and lead time variability.
- Improving forecast override accuracy.
- Monitoring 'potential availability failure' reports and taking economically rational action to avoid/minimize customer impact.
- Timely discrepant receipt/invoice resolution.
- Drives consistency and Replenishment Department BDPs.
- Supports and implements the reverse logistics, seasonal deployment and product life cycle processes developed by Replenishment Process Leaders.


This position manages the purchase of approximately $500 million of product annually.

Work Relationships

Internal
- Reports to the Category Purchasing Manager
- Works closely with his/her 4 peer Senior Buyers.
- Partners with the Replenishment Process Leaders (Reverse Logistics, Seasonal Deployment and Product Life Cycle) to implement consistent processes and manage execution.
- Works closely with his/her corresponding Product Management PCD/SMs/ASMs and the Inventory Planning Department.

External
- Works with supplier community



Grainger is a Fortune 500 company and the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions throughout North America with sales of over $5 billion. Through its network of nearly 600 branches, large distribution network and multiple Web sites, Grainger helps customers save time and money by providing them with the right products to keep their facilities running.
REQUIREMENTS


- 5 to 7 years of Supply Chain Management experience.
- Solid understanding of Inventory Management fundamentals.
- Exposure to business disciplines outside of Purchasing is desirable.
- Systemic thinking and problem solving. Exposure to Six Sigma methodology desirable.
- Willingness to set high standards and hold people accountable to them
- Proficient in Excel.
- Exposure to RADS, Access and/or other database and reporting tools.
- Exposure to SAP desirable
- BS/BA or equivalent, MBA preferred
- APICS certification desirable