The Jr. Buyer supports the purchasing team by managing purchase orders, coordinating vendor deliveries, and assisting with inventory management to prevent supply disruption. This role contributes to smooth day-to-day purchasing operations and the overall health of the supply chain by maintaining accurate records, supporting supplier relationships, and ensuring materials are available to meet production and customer requirements.
Responsibilities include processing and managing purchase orders for direct and indirect materials, ensuring accuracy and timely placement; tracking shipments and monitoring delivery schedules to ensure on-time receipt of materials; coordinating with suppliers regarding order status, pricing, and delivery updates to maintain continuity of supply; maintaining accurate purchasing records and documentation, including drop-shipment orders; partnering with the purchasing team to identify and evaluate new product and vendor opportunities; supporting supplier selection and evaluation processes in coordination with lead buyer(s); assisting with Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes, including data gathering and documentation; assisting with total cost of ownership (TCO) calculations and pricing analysis under the direction of senior buyers; collaborating with Finance and Accounting to resolve price discrepancies and invoice issues; responding promptly to supply disruptions, coordinating with manufacturing and suppliers to minimize production impact; periodically reviewing cost history and trends within assigned product categories; maintaining and generating purchasing reports and analytics to support supply chain decision-making; complying with and assisting other employees understand and comply with TAB's policies and procedures; behaving in accordance with the key behaviors aligned with TAB's Core Values of Leadership, Integrity, Growth & Innovation, Heart and Teamwork (LIGHT); and other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities include working knowledge of procurement and purchasing processes, including order management and supplier coordination; ability to communicate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers regarding orders, pricing, and delivery; ability to process purchase orders accurately and track deliveries to ensure timely fulfillment; high degree of accuracy in handling orders, data entry, and documentation; ability to manage multiple tasks, orders, and deadlines concurrently; ability to support pricing discussions and cost control activities under supervision; ability to extract and analyze purchasing data to identify discrepancies or trends; working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and their application to purchasing, inventory management, and manufacturing; working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies; working knowledge of ISO-9001 quality system requirements as they relate to materials and purchasing; intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; ability to read, comprehend and understand information and ideas presented in writing or in alternative form; ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently; demonstrates sound work ethics; and possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Supervisory responsibility includes none.
Communication & contacts required include internal: Manufacturing leadership, Finance and Accounting, and Sales teams. External: Suppliers, vendors, and contract manufacturing partners.
Decision making/judgment required includes exercising independent judgment in routine purchasing activities, inventory management decisions, and purchase order review. Escalates decisions involving significant inventory investment or supplier contract changes to the Supply Chain Department and Cost Accounting Department in accordance with TAB policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
Minimum education and experience include an Associate Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's Degree in a related field, or currently in progress. Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in purchasing, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Exposure to an ISO-9001 quality system environment. Experience with ERP Syteline or comparable platform. APICS CPIM or CSCP certification, or active pursuit of certification.
Physical requirements include the ability to remain in a stationary position (sit/stand) for 4-8 hours per day; work at a computer workstation for prolonged periods; bend, stoop, and adjust position for approximately 20% of the workday; lift and move up to 25 lbs. occasionally; and work in environments with varying temperatures, including warehouse and production areas.
Additional notes include background check and drug screen required; internal and external applicants accepted; verifiable documentation of ability to work in the US; and individuals who are blind or visually impaired are encouraged to apply. Austin Lighthouse for the Blind, a non-profit organization, is an equal opportunity employer/affirmative action employer.