Buyer

Responsibilities:

Analyze usage trends to determine appropriate reorder points and economic order quantities.

Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and terms.

Source alternative suppliers for key chemicals to mitigate supply risk and cost volatility.

Issue and manage purchase orders for raw materials, finished goods, and packaging supplies.

Track and expedite orders to ensure on-time delivery and minimize stockouts or overstock situations.

Monitor inventory levels and adjust planning parameters to align with sales activity and space constraints.

Work closely with warehouse and logistics teams to coordinate deliveries and storage.

Collaborate with sales, customer service, production, and logistics to ensure customer orders can be fulfilled on time.

Communicate delays or disruptions and implement corrective actions.

Maintain accurate records in ERP or inventory systems (e.g., item lead times, vendor data, pricing, MOQ).

Identify opportunities to reduce procurement costs through volume buys, freight optimization, or alternative sourcing.

Analyze purchasing trends and variances to improve planning accuracy and budgeting.

Troubleshoot supply or quality issues with vendors.

Collaborate with quality control and customer service to resolve discrepancies with incoming materials.

Skills:

Excellent written and oral communication abilities.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills.

Sound problem-solving skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Office; including Microsoft Access .

Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (preferred)

Prior experience in purchasing and/or production planning. (Will train a desirable person)

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the role.

Viking is an equal opportunity employer.