Purchasing Specialist (Buyer)

Employee-owned and operated, Palmer-Donavin is a leader in wholesale distribution of residential building supplies and entry doors. We are headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with branch operations throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

At Palmer-Donavin, we understand that our success depends on the success of our customers and our employees. For our customers, that means delivering quality products and exceptional customer service at fair prices. For our employees, that means sharing the profits of our company. Our recipe for success is no secret. We have thrived as a company since 1907 by sticking to our principles and being true to ourselves and our customers. We make money the old-fashioned way – through hard work – where honesty, integrity, and fairness guide our daily operations.

At Palmer-Donavin, we are not just looking for employees; we are looking for business partners. Being 100% employee-owned and operated, everyone in the PD family shares a commitment to ownership. As an ESOP, we offer the unique experience to work like an owner but commit to a work-life balance in keeping family a priority. For more than 100 years, Palmer-Donavin has been committed to providing exceptional customer service.  A leader in building material distribution, we are built from employee owners who work hard to earn a relationship one order at a time.  Our goal is to create life-long customers that will inspire us to never stop innovating and remain dedicated to our mutual success.

We are currently seeking a Purchasing Specialist to join our team. As a purchasing specialist, you are responsible for ensuring we have the right inventory in the right facilities to meet customer demand while achieving our desired gross margin return on investment. You will maintain a balance between maximizing purchasing discounts, minimizing vendor and shipping fees, meeting customer demand, building and maintaining relationships with our vendor partners, negotiating with vendors for special buying opportunities, and managing your product categories in order to meet several profitability metrics. Attention to detail, an analytical mindset, willingness to learn, and the ability to think critically and solve problems are all crucial skills for the Product Manager to possess as this is not merely a replenishment position. The role is onsite and must be based at either our Hebron, OH or Beloit, WI facility.

Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Quarterly Company Performance Bonus
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Employee Discounts
• Wellness Program
• Career Stability
• Training and Development
• And Much More!

• Negotiate prices, discount terms, and transportation arrangements for merchandise
• Examine, select, order, and purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, etc.
• Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate customer buying patterns and determine how much inventory is needed
• Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise
• Interview and work closely with vendors to obtain and develop desired products
• Compare transportation options to determine the most efficient and cost effective methods
• Evaluate alternative vendors and place emergency orders for parts, materials, or supplies
• Drives results through clear, consistent communication and active collaboration with production, planning, and sales teams.

We are seeking highly organized candidates who are detail-oriented and analytical with strong negotiation, decision-making, and written and oral communication skills. Qualified candidates should be reliable, hardworking, and able to quickly adapt to change in a fast-paced environment.

• High School Graduate or General Education Degree required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred, in Business or related field
• 2+ plus years of experience in purchasing or sales
• Must be proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Outlook
• This position must have an acceptable credit and background check.