Buyer I

Location: Riverside Door Plant & Distribution - Riverside, CA 92507

Department: Purchasing

Division: Operations / Supply Chain

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Director of Purchasing

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Salary Range: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Buyer I is a detail-oriented, team-driven professional responsible for supporting purchasing operations and ensuring timely procurement of materials required for production and distribution. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Purchasing, Sales, and Logistics teams to maintain optimal inventory levels, execute purchase orders accurately, and support an efficient, cost-effective supply chain.

The Buyer I plays a key role in managing supplier relationships, monitoring inventory and order status, and identifying opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance operational performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Purchasing Operations

• Convert MRP (Material Requirements Planning) signals into accurate and timely purchase orders
• Issue purchase orders (POs), revisions, and confirmations while validating pricing and acknowledgments
• Maintain accurate PO data, including quantities, pricing, and delivery dates
• Process daily order acknowledgments and ensure alignment with system records
• Monitor open purchase orders and proactively address discrepancies
• Ensure 100% accuracy of pricing across all purchasing documentation and systems
• Communicate late or delayed orders to Sales and Customer Service teams

Expediting & Order Management

• Expedite critical materials to prevent production disruptions or stockouts
• Manage partial shipments and coordinate follow-ups with suppliers
• Monitor and maintain open order reports on a daily basis
• Address and resolve supplier-related operational issues promptly

Supplier Communication & Relationship Management

• Maintain regular communication with suppliers to ensure alignment on expectations
• Track shipments, monitor delivery status, and address delays
• Communicate and resolve product quality or compliance issues
• Manage documentation requirements including certificates of origin (COOs), packing lists, and invoices
• Build and sustain strong, professional supplier relationships

Inventory & Supply Planning

• Monitor inbound material schedules to ensure availability aligns with production needs
• Identify potential shortages and escalate high-risk items to leadership
• Manage reorder frequency and avoid excess inventory or overbuying
• Review and validate MRP recommendations for accuracy and efficiency

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Purchase order accuracy and completeness
• On-time order placement and supplier delivery performance
• Achievement of departmental KPIs as established by management
• Effectiveness and timeliness of supplier communication
• Reduction of expedited orders through proactive planning
• Zero-error purchase order execution

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Purchasing, Procurement, or Material Planning
• Experience in supply chain or manufacturing environments preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy in transactional work
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.