The Buyer is responsible for managing the inventory for MWI Animal Health Distribution Centers for assigned suppliers while maximizing customer service levels and minimizing inventory investment. 

Responsibilities

• Partners with suppliers daily and acts as an advocate for MWI Animal Health interests relative to suppliers' actions and policies.

• Procures the best products at the best price by considering several different factors, including item cost, quantity discounts, vendor contracts and programs, cash terms, freight, handling or transportation costs, delivery time, historical demand, category seasons, and product availability.

• Maintains assigned vendors inventory to meet main department KPI’s.

• Participate in events and meetings with Supplier Representatives.

• Recommends and contributes to improve strategies in relation to various contracts, programs, and agreements resulting in increased value for MWI Animal Health.

• Develops new solutions to various tactical challenges MWI Animal Health faces as it relates to procuring product, supplier, and distribution center relations.

• Builds and maintains a working relationship with the MWI Operations group, to help resolve discrepancies, returns, recalls and to provide support for inventory needs within the distribution centers.

• Builds and maintains a working relationship with the MWI sales force, to help aid in customer service, product knowledge, and availability.

• Communicates all vendor programs, contracts, and problems to the Replenishment Operations Manager or Director. Completes analysis and sends to management recommendations on buy-in opportunities.

• Ability to resolves issues independently.

• Performs work that is varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Requires broad training in fields such as business administration, accountancy, sales, marketing, computer sciences or similar vocations generally obtained through completion of a four year bachelor's degree program or equivalent combination of experience and education.

• A degree in Supply Management or Supply Chain logistics preferred.

• Normally requires two (2) to four (4) years directly related and progressively responsible experience.

• Animal Health buying experience preferred

Skills and Knowledge

• Familiarity with fundamental concepts, practices and processes in Procurement

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

• Ability to multi-task

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong negotiating skills

• Strong analytical skills

• Strong mathematical skills

• Strong organizational skills; attention to detail

• Ability to implement processes resulting in satisfactory audit practices

• Strong computer skills in order to operate effectively with company systems and programs; knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SAP

• Minimal travel may be required.