Buyer BSC

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. transforms the lives of people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. Through employment opportunities, we are a catalyst for empowerment. We foster self-confidence and instill a life changing affirmation that independence is possible. From our expertise in cutting-edge technology to our understanding of mobility, we help people who are blind and DeafBlind live fulfilling lives.

We believe everyone, no matter their vision abilities, deserves to experience the power of employment. Our goal for each person we reach is to ignite a fire of determination that is centered on the reality that blindness doesn’t define who you are or how you choose to live.

We are currently seeking a person who identifies strongly with our mission and core values to join our team remotely in the role of Buyer for our BSC department. This is an ideal role for someone who has strong analytical skills and understands how to purchase items for resale, has excellent problem-solving skills and has the ability to work independently with little supervision in a remote work environment.

Purpose

Assist with the purchasing activities in support of Base Supply Center store operations. Coordinate with stores to assure receipt of merchandise to meet customer requirements. Provide exceptional customer service to help or understand customers with regards to appropriate product selection.

Responsibilities

• Gathers technical data and/or detailed product specifications.
• Provides and facilitates outstanding communication to in store personnel as well as customers in regards to special requests.
• Tracks special order requests from start to completion.
• Maintains a current awareness of office products, brand advantages and product differences.
• Purchases store inventory to meet min/max expectations and special customer requests.
• Analyze sales history to determine sales trends; reorder accordingly as well as suggests inventory levels.
• Ensures system integrity by regularly auditing transactions.
• Balances inventory to ensure ability to meet customer demands while limiting the amount of capitol tied up in inventory.
• Assists in identifying, selling, or disposing of slow-moving or obsolete inventory.
• Assists with inventory count process and reconciliation.
• Educates store personnel on new products to improve sales volume.
• Reports inventory turns.
• Identifies potential problems and recommends solutions such as vendor returns, price changes or marketing activities.
• Establishes and maintains good working relationships with suppliers.
• Request and reviews quotations for unique/special buys, selects suppliers based on "best value" for customer.
• Evaluates supplier costs, quality and delivery on an ongoing basis.
• Maintains vendor records, POCs, pricelists, contract and product information.
• Remains aware of new technologies, products and suppliers that can help BSCs improve sales and margins.
• Must be familiar with AbilityOne agencies, their product offering, and capabilities.
• Monitors purchase orders to evaluate, prioritize and plan.
• Communicates with suppliers to expedite priority purchase orders when required.
• Monitors open purchase orders. Updates PO notes and store managers regarding delayed merchandise or supplier problems
• Updates PO details to reflect revised delivery dates, changes in costs, canceled quantities or any other adjustments necessary to keep store personnel current and records accurate for accounting
• Introduces new ideas and suggestions to improve processes and maintain system accuracy
• Work assigned hours, responsible for accuracy of time sheets, and notifies supervisor of any absences per policy
• Communicates with supervisor regarding any uncertainty regarding work instructions
• Maintain professional appearance
• Represent Lighthouse organization and AbilityOne in a positive manner.
• May assist in receiving process to understand the entire process chain.
• Complies with all Lighthouse and store policies and procedures.
• Complies with BSC "best practices" standards.
• Complies with all safety requirements.
• Complies with all federal and local legal requirements.
• Complies with base rules and contractual requirements.
• Complies with TAA and country of origin requirements
• Uniform and approved apparel as well as name tags/ID required.
• Commitment to Lighthouse mission and values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• AA degree or CPM certification preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in Purchasing desired
• Ability to read drawings, understand technical specifications, MIL-SPEC, NSNs and other governing laws or regulations concerning lawful government procurement.
• Must communicate in a pleasant, polite, and professional manner with both customers and employees.
• Must be proficient with basic math.
• Must be proficient in building spreadsheets and using formulas in Excel.
• Must have excellent analytical and sound decision making.
• Must be fluent in English, written and spoken.
• Commitment to Lighthouse mission.
• Ability to work schedule as assigned.