Buyer

Description

The Buyer will support our business unit's purchasing initiatives for maintaining inventory of purchased SKUs to meet forecasted sales from S&OP. Reporting directly to the Director of Procurement, this role requires a combination of strategic sourcing, negotiation, procurement, and relationship management skills to support the efficient and cost-effective operation of the supply chain. This position will be on-site 5x a week based out of our Neptune City, NJ facility.

Measures Of Success

Collaborate with the SO&P team to forecast demand and synchronize with domestic and overseas suppliers for on-time deliveries.Responsible for creating POs to maintain inventory levels and cover forecasts.Revise POs for ship dates, quantity, and pricing when necessary.Ensure inventory levels align with demand requirements and manufacturing constraints.Advise internal stakeholders when orders/items will be late and maintain open communication until goods arrive.Collaborate with the inventory control team to assess and manage inventory levels, proactively preventing out-of-stock situations.Review shipment invoices as necessary- act as a liaison between vendor and AP to reconcile any issues.Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of product specifications and goods or services to be purchased.Establish and maintain operational relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring their adherence to on-time delivery and quality standards.Address unforeseen issues with suppliers related to operations, purchasing, or quality/performance promptly and professionally.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes, capabilities, and cost-efficiency within the procurement function.Identify cost reduction projects to enhance the companys profitability.Other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. 4-5 years of related field experience preferred.Proven experience as a buyer or procurement professional in the manufacturing industry, preferably in consumer goods.Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers.Knowledge of inventory management principles and practices.Familiarity with ERP systems, procurement software, and MS Office applications.Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.Ability to maintain complete confidentiality and discretion in business relationships and exercise sound business judgment.Capability to work independently in a fast-paced lean organization and be extremely organized and detail-oriented.

Benefits Package & Employee Programs

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceFree Life and Disability InsuranceHealth and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contributionPaid vacation, holidays and sick timeEmployee Assistance ProgramAccess to thousands of free online coursesDiscounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)Referral Program with cash bonusAccess to on-demand payPaid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2022 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on amission to leadthe future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Companys innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro, Aqueon, Cadet, Farnam, Ferry~Morse, Four Paws, Kaytee, K&H, Nylabone and Pennington, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, California, and has over 7,000 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.