Hardware Buyer

Lumbermens Merchandising Corporation - Wayne, PA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Wayne, PA

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

The Hardware Buyer at Lumbermens Merchandising Corporation (LMC) plays a crucial role in supporting independent building material companies by negotiating procurement opportunities and ensuring high-quality customer service. This position involves interacting with members to understand their purchasing needs, identifying optimal sources for products, and managing vendor relationships to enhance business growth. The role requires a blend of analytical skills, market knowledge, and effective communication to ensure member satisfaction and competitive pricing.

Responsibilities

• Engage members with supplier programs and foster business growth opportunities.
• Provide high-level support and customer service to each member/customer, solving problems in a timely manner.
• Negotiate and manage product categories with applicable vendors.
• Promote programs and special offers to members, ensuring the best combination of price, quality, and product availability.
• Maintain good relationships with suppliers and strive for high-level vendor connections.
• Identify suppliers to obtain competitive programs based on member requirements.
• Establish and maintain good relations with key supplier partners.
• Maintain frequent contact with members to ensure accurate order expediting and timely delivery.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of all product lines within area of responsibility and create strategic sales plans.
• Stay informed about new products and developments in the field, ensuring members are updated.
• Connect regularly with Regional Managers to communicate member issues and sales updates.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation for all transactions.
• Promote optimal purchasing programs for quality and availability at the best price.
• Provide timely market conditions, analysis, trends, and pricing information to ensure optimal purchases.
• Negotiate competitive pricing while meeting customer inventory requirements.
• Keep Purchasing Manager informed of project statuses and purchasing/sales activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience.
• 11+ years of experience in purchasing or sales, preferably in hardware applications.
• Working knowledge of residential and commercial hardware applications (3+ years' experience preferred).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the building materials industry.
• Knowledge of tools, fasteners, pneumatics, joist hangers, nails, and screws.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Flexible spending account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Work from home
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance