Buyer / Purchaser – Job Description

Job Title: Buyer / Purchaser
Department: Parts / Purchasing
Reports To: Parts Manager / Operations Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary
The Buyer/Purchaser is responsible for sourcing and purchasing parts, supplies, and materials needed to support daily operations while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and controlling costs. This position works closely with vendors, parts personnel, service departments, and management to ensure the right products are available at the right price and at the right time.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Review inventory levels, usage history, open orders, and demand to determine purchasing needs.
• Place purchase orders with approved vendors and suppliers.
• Obtain competitive pricing and negotiate discounts, price breaks, freight costs, and other purchasing terms.
• Compare vendor pricing and availability to determine the best overall value.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Monitor purchase orders and follow up on backorders, delayed shipments, and shortages.
• Verify pricing, quantities, part numbers, and shipping information before placing orders.
• Work with vendors to resolve pricing discrepancies, incorrect shipments, damaged products, and returns.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and inventory records.
• Monitor inventory levels to minimize stockouts while avoiding unnecessary overstock.
• Analyze purchasing history and usage trends to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved inventory management.
• Consolidate purchases when practical to reduce freight costs, administrative work, and receiving time.
• Identify opportunities for volume purchasing and bulk discounts.
• Assist with establishing appropriate stocking levels and reorder points.
• Review obsolete, slow-moving, and excess inventory and make recommendations for corrective action.
• Coordinate with the parts counter and service department to ensure customer and repair needs are met.
• Research alternative parts and suppliers when necessary.
• Ensure purchases are made in accordance with company policies and approved vendors.
• Maintain organized documentation of purchase orders, pricing, quotes, and vendor communications.
• Assist with annual and periodic physical inventory counts.
• Stay informed about vendor price changes, product availability, and market conditions.
• Perform other purchasing, inventory, and parts-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous purchasing, parts, inventory, or automotive/heavy-duty experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Good communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to compare pricing and make cost-effective purchasing decisions.
• Ability to prioritize multiple orders and deadlines.
• Basic computer skills and experience with inventory or purchasing software.
• Ability to read and understand part numbers, product descriptions, and specifications.
• Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work independently while also working effectively with other departments.

Key Performance Expectations

The Buyer/Purchaser should focus on:

• Cost Control: Obtain competitive pricing and maximize vendor discounts.
• Availability: Maintain adequate inventory to support customers and technicians.
• Inventory Management: Reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.
• Vendor Management: Build productive relationships and hold vendors accountable for pricing and delivery.
• Purchasing Efficiency: Consolidate orders when practical and reduce unnecessary purchasing and receiving activity.
• Accuracy: Ensure correct parts, quantities, pricing, and delivery information.
• Customer Support: Help ensure parts are available when needed to minimize customer and repair delays.