Purchaser/Buyer
Location: Hazelwood, MO 63042
Job Type: Full-time
About PFI Instore
PFI Instore is a leading designer and fabricator of retail store displays and fixtures. We specialize in creating custom injection-molded single-serve coolers designed to drive impulse purchases in convenience and grocery stores. We also design and manufacture a variety of specialized retail racks and fixtures made from plastic, wood, metal, and wire.
Our associates work directly with leading retailers and brands, including Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Red Bull, Anheuser-Busch, and many other Fortune 500 companies, to create retail and shopping experiences seen by consumers every day.
To remain relevant and successful in today's evolving retail environment, PFI Instore fosters a creative, collaborative, and self-motivated workplace. We are looking for energetic, industrious professionals to help us continue building on our decades of success.
Position Summary
The Purchaser is responsible for supporting PFI Instore's purchasing and procurement activities, including the acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, and services necessary for company operations and manufacturing.
This position works closely with internal departments, suppliers, accounting, and operations to ensure materials are ordered accurately, delivered on time, and purchased at competitive prices. The Purchaser will research and evaluate suppliers, request and negotiate quotations, create purchase orders, manage inventory-related activities, and proactively resolve purchasing and order issues.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Create and maintain purchase orders for materials, supplies, equipment, and other purchasing requirements.
- Research, evaluate, interview, and communicate with suppliers to obtain pricing, specifications, availability, and delivery information.
- Request, review, and compare supplier quotations to support purchasing decisions.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and other purchasing requirements with suppliers when appropriate.
- Review and process purchase requests submitted by various departments.
- Create and manage purchase orders within the company's MRP system.
- Maintain an organized and effective system for ordering materials, supplies, and equipment.
- Support inventory control and material availability to meet operational and production needs.
- Use company systems and software to create, track, and manage inventory and purchasing information.
- Review invoices and purchasing documentation for accuracy before submission to Accounting.
- Work closely with Accounting to establish and maintain new vendor accounts.
- Proactively communicate with internal colleagues and suppliers regarding order status, delivery schedules, and potential issues.
- Identify and resolve problems related to purchase orders, supplier deliveries, pricing, shortages, and other purchasing concerns.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
- Assist with continuous improvement of purchasing processes and supplier relationships.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the supervisor.
Skills and Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience required.
- 3–5+ years of purchasing, procurement, manufacturing, or supply chain experience preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with a variety of purchasing, procurement, inventory control, and supply chain concepts, practices, and procedures.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment preferred.
- Experience with CloudSuite Industrial (CSI/CDI) preferred.
- Experience working with MRP or ERP systems is a plus.
- Strong knowledge of purchasing processes, supplier management, and purchase order administration.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.
- Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with suppliers and internal team members.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
Benefits
PFI Instore offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Term life insurance
- Short-term disability insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Accident insurance
- Cancer care coverage
- Hospital indemnity coverage
- Paid time off
Employees are eligible for insurance benefits beginning on the first Monday of the month following their date of hire.
PFI Instore is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected.