Buyer - Ingredients (Kansas)

The Wilbur Ellis Company Nutrition Division is seeking a driven professional to create, develop, and execute merchandising plans. Someone to ensure adequate inventory of incoming materials as per specifications provided by high-level customers and internal product safety and quality standards. Create purchase orders, schedule, and ensure that assigned materials are available on a timely basis to support production and finished good requirements. The Wilbur-Ellis team is a high-energy one, whose members’ longevity speaks to our positive work environment. Join us and enjoy a challenging career with lots of opportunity to grow a business, competitive compensation/bonus structure, and the inherent benefits of working for a strong and profitable industry leader.

Key Skills and Abilities:

• Education: College degree in Supply Chain, Business, or equivalent experience.

• Experience: 0-2 years in purchasing; experience in the pet industry is a plus.

• ERP Proficiency: Experience navigating MRP systems and ERP software.

• Inventory Management: Previous experience in managing inventory.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with suppliers/vendors.

• Mathematical Skills: Strong aptitude for numbers and detail-oriented tasks.

• Sales and Purchasing Knowledge: 1+ years of experience in Purchasing, Sales, or Inventory control.

Key Personal Attributes:

• Strong drive to succeed with a creative, "can-do" attitude and high level of integrity.

• Self-disciplined and motivated with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.

• Outgoing personality with the ability to handle cold calls and rejection.

• Positive approach to business, adaptable, and proactive in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables:

• Communicate with vendors for routine inquiries, open orders, backorders, freight rates, and pricing.

• Maintain positive, professional contact with fellow employees and vendors at all times.

• Monitor and expedite purchase orders to meet MRP and production requirements on a daily basis.

• Update Vendor files and maintain up-to-date inventory records.

• Assist in cost reduction strategies and provide in-depth supply chain analysis on a monthly and quarterly basis.

• Track and consolidate micro inventories, Average Inventory Cost, Market Value, and Formulation Value.

• Advise pricing team on Market Replacement Value and market forecasts.

• Provide backup assistance to other department members as needed.

• Create and manage purchase orders, including consigned goods and customer feedback adjustments.

• Order supplies for the company and handle incoming damage material reports and customer performance tickets.

• Schedule dock appointments and ensure information is entered accurately into purchase orders.

• Perform any other duties assigned by management in a professional and efficient manner.

• All other duties as assigned

Compensation and Benefits:

• In compliance with all states and cities requiring transparency of pay, the base compensation for this position ranges from $57,000 - $76,080. Note that salary may vary based on location, skills, and experience.

• This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and vacation, holidays, health, dental, vision, mental health, and retirement plan participation, including an employer contribution of up to 7% into your 401(k). Follow this link for more information regarding Wilbur-Ellis employee benefits: https://bit.ly/3S8aDCj