Procurement Buyer

Overview:

Dental Care Alliance is currently hiring a Buyer for its Sarasota, Florida Support Center. For the right candidate, this position can be remote with occasional on-site work. This role reports to the Director of Procurement and will perform procurement activities encompassing sourcing and purchasing supplies, equipment, and services to meet daily operational needs and support of our affiliated practices. Additional responsibilities will include product cost analysis, proficiency in use of a supply chain information system and other related duties of the department for the organization.

Build relationships with suppliers and negotiate with them for the best pricing.

· Confer with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability and delivery schedule.

· Arrange transportation of good and track orders to ensure timely delivery.

· Cultivate new sources for supplies and products.

· Secure product samples, photos and descriptions for departments/offices.

· Prepare purchase orders or bid requests, searching for the most competitive bid.

· Make purchase decisions in accordance with company procedures and regulations.

· Receive and contacts vendors to find out status of placed orders.

· Contact vendors with discrepancies pertaining to quantity and quality.

· Interface with all departments and resolves problems and issues as necessary and in an efficient and timely manner.

· Partner with department/office managers to clarify purchase requisitions, identify departmental needs, and refine qualifications for future orders; clarify internal purchasing procedures.

· Assist in developing and maintaining the company’s inventory tracking system.

· Analyze market trends and apply this knowledge to make insightful buying activities.

· Provide analysis on cost, new and existing, and review cost reduction activities.

· Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

This position requires the ability to occasionally lift products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Competencies:

· Quality of Work – Consistently produces acceptable quality of work and only requires a reasonable amount of supervision.

· Initiative – Demonstrates a strong work ethic. Takes the appropriate risks and focuses on outcomes. Needs only a reasonable level of supervision.

· Communication – Demonstrates effective listening skills. Maintains eye contact. Focuses on content. Is thoughtful and articulate when speaking with others. Has good written and oral communication skills.

· Customer Service – Is attentive and responsive to the needs of others. Handles difficult situations with patience, tact and grace. Accurately identifies and anticipates needs. Flexible with making adjustments in service delivery.

· Punctuality/Time Management – Is reliable and punctual to work and all meetings, functions and training. Fulfills commitments on time that contribute to team goals.

· Ensures Accountability – Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.

· Action Oriented – Taking on new opportunities and touch challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm.

· Collaborates – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Partners with others to get work done. Gains trust and support of others.

High School Diploma or Equivalent Required

· Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, Economics or related field strongly preferred

Qualifications/Training:

· Three (3) years previous buying experience strongly preferred, or ability to demonstrate comparable combination of knowledge and skill

· Ability to exercise independent judgement

· Solid understanding of contractual terms and conditions

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Strong computer skills; Excel, Microsoft, Word, and Power Point

· Demonstrates aptitude in effective negotiating and critical thinking

· Familiarity with market research, data analysis and forecasting techniques

· Familiarity with an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system or Procure to Pay system