Regional Hardlines Buyer

PARR is the total source for homebuilding supplies, solutions, and services. We focus on supplying building materials and solutions to professional home builders of all sizes including custom builders, large production builders, and multifamily builders. Our customers and community members know that they can rely on us for Legendary Service and quality products.

Pay: $25.29-$27.43 hourly

Location: Preferred to be located in Eastern Washington area

The Regional Product Specialist position maintains an appropriate level of inventory for assigned suppliers and/or product categories for assigned region.

The position is responsible for placing purchases with the approval of primary suppliers to ensure the timely flow of product, maximize health by distinguishing slow or dead merchandise, reduce overturning product and recognizing out of stock forecasts to ensure product is on hand to supply our customers.

This role is vital to fulfilling our mission of Legendary Service Through Teamwork because without a high level of accuracy, and prompt turnaround of all purchasing tasks we would not be able to continue to provide the level of service to which we aspire.

Duties and Responsibilities

Daily

• Maintain an appropriate level of inventory for assigned suppliers and/or categories for assigned region
• Review, maintain and distribute system generated purchase orders for assigned suppliers and/or categories, for assigned region
• Audit purchase orders to insure correct pricing
• Respond timely to out of stock and backorder notifications for assigned suppliers and/or categories, for assigned region
• Analyze product outs daily and proactively manage product needs
• Audits receiving status of purchases, confirms backorders and takes action to limit product shortfalls
• Audits empty peg reports and takes appropriate action
• Effectively utilizes the system to determine product needs

Weekly

• Updates schedule in Outlook to reflect current buy patterns
• Ensures products are accurately assigned in POS system - buyer number, vendor number, buy cycle, etc.
• Communicates with sales and operation teams regarding buying and market trends

Monthly

• Coordinate supplier sponsored events, promotions, and tours for for assigned region
• Evaluates product movement to determine slow moving or dead stock and develops plans of action to limit such stock monthly
• Analyzes product turnover and health to maximize category revenue goals
• Seeks new product opportunities and coordinates with the supervisor

As Needed

• Maintain a relationship with assigned suppliers for insight of industry trends and levels of service
• Coordinate product knowledge meetings for assigned suppliers, for assigned region
• Assist in product line reviews and supplier negotiations as necessary
• Coordinate stock buybacks for slow moving, dead or end-of-run merchandise for assigned suppliers and/or categories
• Monitor and maintain an acceptable turn rate in assigned product categories
• Complete and submit new item set up sheets
• Participate in location promotional events
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Job Knowledge

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of assigned product categories and/or suppliers to be a resource for team members
• Demonstrates the ability to convert square footage, board footage, lineal footage, and cubic measurements, calculating gross margins and gross profits
• Navigates and utilizes system software purchasing programs
• Has product knowledge of products purchased
• Effectively utilizes remote communication devices and software
• Utilizes custom purchasing or inventory reports
• Understands product turnover rates and health scores
• Understands product application
• Understands and recognizes current market conditions and adjust purchases as necessary
• Remains current on supplier pricing programs, rebates, and perimeters
• Participates in vendor related sponsored events

Teamwork

• Maintain a relationship with assigned region operation teams and sales teams promoting open lines of communication and teamwork
• Coordinate redistribution of overstock product between locations when deemed appropriate
• Assist in product and/or store resets as directed by the Inventory Manager
• Collaborate with marketing in the promotion of new product and/or seasonal promotions
• Communicate product/supplier updates on a consistent basis with sales and operation teams including location managers, sales managers, Marketing and Central Purchasing
• Responds to backorders or requests in a timely manner

Teamwork

• Maintain a relationship with assigned region operation teams and sales teams promoting open lines of communication and teamwork
• Coordinate redistribution of overstock product between locations when deemed appropriate
• Assist in product and/or store resets as directed by the Inventory Manager
• Collaborate with marketing in the promotion of new product and/or seasonal promotions
• Communicate product/supplier updates on a consistent basis with sales and operation teams including location managers, sales managers, Marketing and Central Purchasing
• Responds to backorders or requests in a timely manner
• Brings areas of concern to managers attention

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• 2 years' experience in building industry
• 2 years' experience with point-of-sale system
• Must be able to type 30+ WPM
• Class C driver's license and must have and maintain a good driving record required
• Ability to speak, write, and read English required

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to work cordially, professionally, diplomatically and with a high level of customer service in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrate sound judgment in dealing with sensitive business matters with internal and external customers of all types. Must maintain confidentiality and accuracy of all information related to company finances and records, particularly, cost of goods purchased and sold.
• Ability and willingness to identify processes, tools and/or procedures that may be improved upon to improve the workplace and outcomes for our customers.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management and employees at a high skill level. Communication can include, but is not limited to: in-person (verbal and non-verbal), written, e-mail, telephone, and public speaking to medium size groups
• Strong focus, planning, organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage changing priorities, handle multiple projects, and do what is necessary to meet deadlines, while maintaining a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to function independently, as part of a team, and as a leader within your own sales cohort with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
• Ability to think and respond quickly, positively, and professionally to constantly changing circumstances.
• Ability to appropriately manage stress and interact with others.

Working Conditions

This position works rotating between assigned lumber yard locations with a computer. The working environment is fast paced and on team with a variety of personalities. The working days are primarily Monday through Friday with some weekends as needed. The work shifts may not be consistent.

Physical Requirements

• Local travel to multiple locations is required
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to work indoors in a normal office environment for an entire day
• Must be able to grasp, talk, hear, and operate a computer and keyboard.
• Must be able to lift/push/pull up to 20 pounds and carry objects 50 feet
• Must be able to drive a vehicle when necessary
• Occasional overnight travel may be required

We know that without great people, we can't be a great company. Voted as one of the "Top Places to Work" by the Oregonian for the 3rd year in a row, we offer industry-leading benefits:

• Everyone starts earning 2 weeks of vacation per year on day 1, and gains an additional day every year worked up to 4 weeks off

• Employee paid sick days

• 7 holidays

• Standard medical plan with a very low $1,000 deductible

• Dental, Vision, EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

• Massage, Chiropractic and Acupuncture coverage

• FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and Childcare pretax spending programs

• Footwear subsidy through boot vendor after 90 days of employment

• Up to 50% match on the first 6% you contribute to your 401(k) after 1 year of employment and fully vested at the end of your 3rd year

• In addition to the 401(k) match, there a 3% profit share contribution to the 401(k), with Board approval

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $2,500/year)

• Annual profit sharing (every full time employee who worked the full year earned a minimum of $525 for the 2024 year)

• $1,000 referral bonus

PARR Promotes!

We have a transparent pay structure, and love to promote from within. Our current CEO started with the company as a driver and by being open to change and a self-starter he climbed the ranks to the role he has today. There are many members of our management team who started their careers in our entry-level positions. If you're willing to work hard, there's no reason you won't earn regular merit increases and promotions. There is A LOT of opportunity - PARR is growing fast!

We value our employees like family and are constantly working to provide a safe place to work for our employees. Most of our locations are not open past 5 and all our locations are closed on Sundays.

Our company mission is Legendary Service through Teamwork, and we take that seriously. When you join our team, you're joining a family owned company that's been in business for 90 years, with a well-established reputation as a leader within the building material supply industry in the United States.